Voting for second and fourth place on the Storting list for the Oslo Labor Party was due when the county team gathered for a nomination meeting in the traditional Samfunnssalen in Oslo on Tuesday evening. The members of the nomination committee have not agreed among themselves on who should have the safe second place, as well as fourth place on the list.
– We have not succeeded, admitted election committee leader Rina Mariann Hansen after giving an account of the considerable efforts the committee has made through many and long meetings to arrive at a unanimous recommendation for the Storting list.
The majority of the committee nominates Hadia Tajik for the safe second place on the nomination list. The minority wants Kamzy Gunaratnam. If Ap’s support remains at its current level at the election next year, the party is likely to get only three representatives from Oslo in the Storting.
– We have a small group of politicians in Norway who can face Sylvi Listhaug and Erna Solberg in a debate and come out victorious. Hadia is one of them, said Hansen.
– On the whistleblower’s side
Hansen also pointed out that “there were few who stood as straight-backed” on the side of whistleblowers as Hadia Tajik when the metoo dispute ravaged the party. The then deputy leader of the Labor Party, Trond Giske, resigned in 2018 after several women reported him.
The party leadership concluded that Giske had broken the party’s guidelines against sexual harassment. Giske has contested this and also several of the notifications, but has also apologized for his behaviour.
Gunaratnam has the second place on today’s list and is nominated for the same place by the minority – consisting of one of nine members – on the committee.
– Who will take the fight for Oslo? The Oslo list is traditionally characterized by national politicians. Kamzy grew up in Groruddalen, is a popular Oslo politician, former deputy mayor and leader of Oslo AUF, said Laial Janet Ayoub.
Party leader Jonas Gahr Støre is, by all accounts, beaten into first place, and so is deputy leader Jan Christian Vestre in third place.
Completely even
Until recently, there was a dead heat between Tajik and Gunaratnam, according to him VG. Each of them received support from 105 delegates, the count the newspaper had carried out showed.
Gunaratnam is said to have led quite clearly earlier this autumn, with the support of more than twice as many delegates as Tajik. But Tajik is said to have taken the lead in recent weeks, the newspaper wrote.
As it is competitive voting, voting must be done in writing. It will make it easier for delegates to break with their local team and vote according to their own convictions. The counting and mapping of how the local teams are positioned is therefore fraught with uncertainty.
If there is a deadlock, there will be a new written vote. If it also ends in a tie, the nomination will be decided by drawing lots, the rules of procedure state.
National versus local
Tajik’s supporters have highlighted the difficult position she has had in the Labor Party as both deputy leader and minister and the implementation power she has to show time.
Gunaratnam’s supporters have been skeptical that there is a lack of local political voice if only candidates who are widely perceived as national politicians are elected. Some also have opposite The daily newspaper expressed skepticism that Tajik is “shopping counties” after she reported moving from Rogaland to Oslo.
In addition to the battle for second place, there are also two battles for fourth place.
Here, Agnes Nærland Viljugrein has the support of a majority in the nomination committee, while the minority wanted Trine Lise Sundnes.
Frode Jacobsen is set for fifth place on the list.
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How will Hadia Tajik’s stance in the ‘metoo’ dispute impact her candidacy?
Let’s bring in political analyst Dr. Astrid Olsen to discuss this intriguing situation within the Oslo Labor Party. Dr. Olsen, welcome to the show.
**Dr. Olsen:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** So, we see some real tension brewing within the Oslo branch of the Labor party. Can you break down why the selection of second and fourth place on the Storting list is causing such a divide?
**Dr. Olsen:** Absolutely. This isn’t just about placing names on a list; it’s about the direction of the Oslo Labor Party and who they believe is best equipped to represent their interests. Hadia Tajik, a well-known figure with national prominence, enjoys the support of the majority on the nomination committee. They view her as a strong potential challenger to prominent figures like Sylvi Listhaug and Erna Solberg.
On the other hand, Kamzy Gunaratnam, currently holding second place on the list, represents a different archetype. She boasts deep roots in Oslo, having served as deputy mayor and leader of Oslo AUF. This has earned her the support of those who believe she is better positioned to connect with local voters and fight for Oslo-specific issues.
**Host:** And the internal conflict seems tied to differing visions for the party?
**Dr. Olsen:** Precisely. Some within the Oslo branch might prefer a more national focus, utilizing prominent figures like Tajik to drive the party’s agenda. Others, like Gunaratnam’s supporters, prioritize a focus on local concerns and strong representation for Oslo itself.
**Host:** It’s interesting that Hadia Tajik’s stance in the ‘metoo’ dispute is being cited as a positive for her candidacy. How significant do you think that factor is for the committee?
**Dr. Olsen:** It’s undoubtedly playing a role. In the wake of the ‘metoo’ movement, voters are scrutinizing political candidates’ stances on issues of gender equality and sexual harassment. Tajik’s public support for whistleblowers during that difficult period likely resonates with a segment of the electorate.
**Host:** Kamzy Gunaratnam, traditionally holding the second spot, certainly has strong backing as well.
**Dr. Olsen:** Yes, her deep roots in Oslo and her experience as deputy mayor are valuable assets. Some see her as a powerful voice for local concerns and a better fit for connecting with voters on a more grassroots level.
**Host:** This split within the Oslo Labor Party is clearly a fascinating development. Any predictions on how it will ultimately play out?
**Dr. Olsen:** It’s a true toss-up at this point. Both Tajik and Gunaratnam have strong support within the party, and the final decision will likely come down to a delicate balance of national appeal, local representation, and the broader ideological direction the Oslo branch wishes to pursue. This situation will definitely be one to watch in the coming months.
**Host:** Thank you so much for sharing your expertise on this, Dr. Olsen.
**Dr. Olsen:** My pleasure; it’s a compelling story unfolding.