Elections in Norway

Elections In Norway

Norway elects its legislature on a national level. The parliament, the Storting (or Stortinget by Norwegian grammar), has 169 members elected for a four year term (during which it may not be dissolved) by the proportional representation in multi-seat constituencies.

Norway has a multi-party system, with numerous parties in which no one party often has a chance of gaining power alone, and parties must work with each other to form coalition governments and/or minority cabinets.

In Norway, elections are held every second year, alternating between elections for the Parliament and local elections, both of which are held on a 4-yearly basis.

Suffrage is universal from the year a person turns 18 years old, even if the person turns 18 later in the year the election is held. Only Norwegian citizens can vote in the Parliamentary elections, but foreigners who have lived in Norway for three years continuously can vote in the local elections. Women's suffrage was adopted in 1913.

The King of Norway is not considered a "citizen" and cannot vote. The queen and crown prince are eligible to vote but traditionally do not do so.

The last elections were the 2011 local elections, on 12 September.

Read more about Elections In Norway:  The Election System, Local Elections, Sámi Parliament Election, Referendums, Rules Concerning Election Days

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