Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: The country is divided into 19 constituencies. Each county constitutes a constituency.
Source: The Election Act (Representation of the People Act)of 28 June 2002, Ch. 11, Art. 11-1.
Verified: 2017/06/07
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Each county constitutes a constituency.
Source: The Election Act, Ch. 11, Art. 11-1.
Verified: 2017/05/19
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: Each county constitutes a constituency. Specific provisions on the division of the Realm into constituencies shall be determined by law.
Source: The Election Act, Ch. 11, Art. 11-1
Constitution, Art 57 (6)
Verified: 2017/05/19
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: The Head of State is the hereditary monarch. The Executive Power is vested in the King.
Source: Constitution(last amended May 2014), Art.3.
Verified: 2017/05/19
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: Constitution (Art. 12): The King himself chooses a Council from among Norwegian citizens who are entitled to vote. This Council shall consist of a Prime Minister and at least seven other Members.
Constitution (Art. 15): Any person who holds a seat in the Council of State has the duty to submit his application to resign once the Storting has passed a vote of no confidence against that Member of the Council of State or against the Council of State as a whole.
The King is bound to grant such an application to resign.
The leader of the majority party or coalition is usually appointed Prime Minister by the Monarch with the approval of the Parliament.
Source: Constitution(last amended May 2014), Art. 12, Art. 15.
Verified: 2017/05/19
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution(last amended May 2014), Art. 3:
Verified: 2017/05/19
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: Constitution, Art. 49: The people exercise the Legislative Power through the Storting.
Source: Constitution(last amended May 2014) , Art. 49
Verified: 2017/05/19
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: Constitution Art 59: The election of representatives of constituencies is based on proportional representation and the seats are distributed among the political parties in accordance with the following rules.
Source: Constitution (last amended May 2014), Art. 59
Verified: 2017/05/19
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments:
Source: Constitution (last amended May 2014)
The Election Act (Representation of the People Act)
Representation of the People Regulations
Verified: 2017/05/19
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections
Comments:
Source: The Election Act(Representation of the People Act), Ch. 1, Art. 1-2:
Verified: 2017/05/19
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art 50.
Verified: 2017/05/19
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB d . Other
Comments: The Parliament (Storting) is the appeal body for appeals concerning the right to vote or the right to cast a vote.
The National Election Committee is the appeal body for other appeals.
Source: The Election Act, Ch. 13, Art. 13-1:
Verified: 2017/05/19
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry for Local Government and Regional Development: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/information-campaigns/election_portal.html?id=456491 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry for Local Government and Regional Development: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/information-campaigns/election_portal.html?id=456491 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry for Local Government and Regional Development: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/information-campaigns/election_portal.html?id=456491 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments: The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is the responsible national electoral management body in Norway.
Source: Official Website of the Ministry for Local Government and Regional Development: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/information-campaigns/election_portal.html?id=456491 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry for Local Government and Regional Development: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/information-campaigns/election_portal.html?id=456491 (2012)
Verified: 2012/11/13
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry for Local Government and Regional Development: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/information-campaigns/election_portal.html?id=456491 (2012)
Verified: 2012/11/13
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
d . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry for Local Government and Regional Development: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/information-campaigns/election_portal.html?id=456491 (2012)
Verified: 2012/11/13
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
j . Not Applicable
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry for Local Government and Regional Development: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/information-campaigns/election_portal.html?id=456491 (2012)
Verified: 2012/11/13
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body d . National Government e . Regional Governments f . Local Governments h . Political parties/ candidates i . Media
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry for Local Government and Regional Development: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/information-campaigns/election_portal.html?id=456491 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry for Local Government and Regional Development: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/information-campaigns/election_portal.html?id=456491 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: Official Website of the Ministry for Local Government and Regional Development: http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/krd/information-campaigns/election_portal.html?id=456491 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Norwegian nationals must reach the age of 18 no later than December 31 of the election year.
Source: Constitution, Art 50: http://www.stortinget.no/en/In-English/About-the-Storting/The-Constitution/The-Constitution/ (2012);
The Election Act, Ch. 2, Art. 2-1: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: e) Voters must be, or must at some time been, registered at the Population Registry as residents in Norway.
Source: Constitution, Art 50: http://www.stortinget.no/en/In-English/About-the-Storting/The-Constitution/The-Constitution/ (2012);
The Election Act, Ch. 2, Art. 2-1: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
a . Central Government Department (specify)
Comments: The Electoral Committee is responsible for the keeping of a register of all persons entitled to vote in the municipal authority area., according to the Population Registry records.
Source: The Election Act, Ch. 2, Art. 2-3, 2-5: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: The Election Act, Ch. 2, Art. 2-3, 2-5: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: a) 5000 signatures of citizens eligible to vote
Source: The Political Parties Act, Ch. 5, Art. 3: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Act_Politica_%20Parties_EN_version_120207.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 61 and 62: http://www.stortinget.no/en/In-English/About-the-Storting/The-Constitution/The-Constitution/ (2012);
The Election Act, Ch. 3, Art. 3-1: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
f . No information available
Comments: There are no independent candidates.
Source:
Verified: 2012/05/22
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct
Comments:
Source: The Political Parties Act, Ch. 3: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Act_Politica_%20Parties_EN_version_120207.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election c . Based on current legislative representation
Comments: The vote support is paid as an equal amount in kroner (NOK) to each vote received at the last general election. The basic support is paid as an equal amount in kroner to parties that at the last general election received at least 2.5% of the votes on a national basis or that had at least one representative elected to the Storting. Of the total support, 9/10 is distributed as vote support and 1/10 as basic support.
Source: The Political Parties Act, Ch. 3, Art. 11 (2): http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Act_Politica_%20Parties_EN_version_120207.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: The Political Parties Act, Ch. 4: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Act_Politica_%20Parties_EN_version_120207.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: The Election Act, Ch. 10, Art. 10-5: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
b . Always recounted
Comments: b) By the Electoral Committee
Source: The Election Act, Ch. 10, Art. 10-6: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
h . No information available
Comments: There are no legal provisions concerning free broadcast time/free printed advertisement. The television companies and the newspapers regulate these topics themselves. Traditionally the largest parties will be given more broadcast time and more advertisement space than smaller parties.
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Report on Norwegian Parliamentary Elections (14 September 2009): http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/norway/40529 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: Televised debates between candidates/party representatives are normally conducted in general elections as well as in local elections.
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Report on Norwegian Parliamentary Elections (14 September 2009): http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/norway/40529 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
a . 1 day
Comments: Election results and prognoses produced on the basis of investigations undertaken on the day or days on which polling takes place may not be published any earlier than 9.00 pm on Election Day Monday.
Source: The Election Act, Ch. 9, Art. 9-9: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: The Political Parties Act: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Act_Politica_%20Parties_EN_version_120207.pdf (2012);
OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Report on Norwegian Parliamentary Elections (14 September 2009): http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/norway/40529 (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Referendums are always held on an ad hoc basis when a majority of the parliament calls for one. The parliament and local councils may organise advisory referenda on any issue.
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/05/22
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/05/22
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Referenda are always held on an ad hoc basis when a majority of the parliament calls for one. The parliament and local councils may organize advisory referendums on any issue.
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/05/22
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/05/22
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/05/22
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/05/22
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
c . Never binding
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Verified: 2012/05/22
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: For instance, Norway has held a referendum on the issue of EU membership twice, first in 1972 and then again in 1994.
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm (2012);
Official Website of Norway Mission to the EU: http://www.eu-norway.org/eu/norway_and_the_eu/ (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: b) There are no legal provisions in this regard. However, local referenda are held on an ad hoc basis. For instance, according to Statistics Norway, 13 local referenda were held in 2011.
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm (2012);
Official Website of Statistics Norway: http://www.ssb.no/folkavs_kostra_en/ (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
b . At any polling station in the same voting district d . At specially designated polling stations f . By mail j . Other
Comments:
Source: The Election Act, Ch. 8 and Ch. 9, Art. 9-5, 9-6: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012);
Representation of the People Regulations, Ch. 6, Art. 28: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Regulations_2003_EN_170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments: Are permitted to vote as long as they are registered in the Norwegian National Population Register prior to elections.
Source: Constitution, Art 50: http://www.stortinget.no/en/In-English/About-the-Storting/The-Constitution/The-Constitution/ (2012);
The Election Act, Ch. 8, Art. 8-1: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012);
Representation of the People Regulations, Ch. 6, Art. 28: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Regulations_2003_EN_170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates c . Special polling stations e . By mail f . Other
Comments: f.) Norwegian ships abroad.
Source: Constitution, Art 50: http://www.stortinget.no/en/In-English/About-the-Storting/The-Constitution/The-Constitution/ (2012);
The Election Act, Ch. 8, Art. 8-1: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012);
Representation of the People Regulations, Ch. 6, Art. 28: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Regulations_2003_EN_170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2012/05/22
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: The Election Act, Ch. 9, Art. 9-5 (3): http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2014/06/30
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