Response to OSCE'S EAM report of 27 November 2009

At the invitation of the Norwegian Government, OSCE/ODIHR carried out an Election Assessment Mission in Norway during the General Election of September 2009. OSCE’s report from the visit was presented on 27 November 2009. This report gives an overview of the requests contained in the OSCE report and the planned follow up to them.   

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is very pleased that OSCE wished to carry out observations in Norway. Norway is a living democracy and our electoral system enjoys great confidence. Even so, we believe it has been very useful to allow OSCE’s election observers to review and check various aspects of the Norwegian electoral system and electoral legislation. The Ministry would also like to express its gratitude for all the help and useful input from OSCE’s representatives in consultation meetings in connection with the follow up of the EAM report. 
On 31 May the Ministry put forward a consultation paper to be the subject of public enquiry. This proposes certain amendments to the Election Act and the Election Regulations. Most of the proposed amendments are in line with the requests of OSCE. After a three month public enquiry, the Ministry plans to put proposed amendments to the act before the Storting in late autumn 2010.

• Report to OSCE/ODIHR (pdf)