– The meeting lasted over three hours. It revealed a general frustration and anger that we are now effectively stopped from challenging the established political parties – the same ones that have put us out of business, says party leader Arnt Rune Flekstad to NTB.
– The concern about losing both networks, social gatherings and an opportunity to meet like-minded people was great, he adds.
Must have 5,000 votes in general elections
Table of Contents
- 1 - How does the new electoral law affect the viability of small political parties in Norway?
- 2 Challenge. Many fear that it will overshadow their voices and limit their ability to gain traction in Norway’s political landscape. This change has left small parties feeling marginalized and concerned about their future viability.
Table of Contents
According to the new the electoral law which was adopted in 2023 and entered into force on 1 May this year, a party must have received at least 5,000 votes in a general election to be automatically included on the ballot papers at the next general election.
If you don’t get 5,000 votes, you have to collect signatures from 1 percent of everyone with the right to vote. That corresponds to 38,917 signatures.
In 2021, the Liberals received 4,520 votes, or 0.2 percent, reported Nettavisen said.
Party leader Arnt Rune Flekstad said in May that it would be a “miracle” to collect as many signatures as needed.
– If we have to stop ten people for each signature, that’s 400,000 people, he said.
Several parties affected by the change
The party therefore called for an extraordinary national meeting. Flekstad also pointed out that it will be easier to submit a list for a newly founded party.
The other parties affected by the change in the electoral law are the Alliance, the People’s Party FNB (formerly the People’s Action no to more tolls), the Norwegian Communist Party, the Feminist Initiative, the Coastal Party, the Generations Party, the Redd Naturen Pirate Party and the list Patient Focus in Finnmark. The latter received one representative in the Storting at the last election.
#liberals #close #adressa.no
2024-09-15 10:56:10
- How does the new electoral law affect the viability of small political parties in Norway?
New Electoral Law Puts Small Political Parties in Norway Under Threat
In a recent meeting that lasted over three hours, the Liberalist Party in Norway expressed their frustration and anger towards the new electoral law that has effectively stopped them from challenging the established political parties. According to party leader Arnt Rune Flekstad, the concern about losing both networks, social gatherings, and an opportunity to meet like-minded people was great.
The meeting followed the introduction of a new electoral law in 2023, which requires political parties to receive at least 5,000 votes in a general election to be automatically included on the ballot papers at the next general election. If a party fails to meet this threshold, they must collect signatures from 1 percent of all eligible voters, which corresponds to 38,917 signatures.
For smaller parties like the Liberalist Party, this requirement poses a significant challenge. In the 2021 general election, the party received only 4,520 votes, or 0.2 percent of the total votes cast. Party leader Arnt Rune Flekstad has expressed skepticism about the party’s ability to collect the required number of signatures, stating that it would be a “miracle” to do so.
The Electoral Law: A Barrier to Entry for Small Parties
The new electoral law has been criticized for creating a barrier to entry for small and new political parties in Norway. By setting a high threshold for votes and signatures, the law makes it difficult for smaller parties to gain traction and compete with established parties.
The impact of the law is not limited to the Liberalist Party alone. Several other smaller parties are also affected, including the Pirate Party, the Christians, and the Norwegian Democrats. These parties are now facing an uphill battle to gather the necessary votes and signatures to remain on the ballot.
Consequences for Democracy
The restriction on small parties has sparked concerns about the health of democracy in Norway. By limiting the participation of smaller parties, the law may lead to a lack of diversity in political representation and a narrowing of the political spectrum.
Furthermore, the law may stifle innovation and creativity in politics, as smaller parties are often more willing to take risks and propose radical policies. By excluding these parties from the political process, Norway may miss out on opportunities for growth and reform.
Conclusion
The introduction of the new electoral law in Norway has created a challenging environment for small political parties. The requirement to gather 5,000 votes or 38,917 signatures has effectively stopped parties like the Liberalist Party from challenging the established political parties.
As the country prepares for the next general election, the impact of the law will be closely watched. Will smaller parties be able to overcome the hurdles and remain relevant, or will the established parties continue to dominate the political landscape? Only time will tell.
Challenge. Many fear that it will overshadow their voices and limit their ability to gain traction in Norway’s political landscape. This change has left small parties feeling marginalized and concerned about their future viability.
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New Electoral Law Puts Small Political Parties in Norway Under Threat
In a recent meeting that lasted over three hours, the Liberalist Party in Norway expressed their frustration and anger towards the new electoral law that has effectively stopped them from challenging the established political parties. According to party leader Arnt Rune Flekstad, the concern about losing both networks, social gatherings, and an opportunity to meet like-minded people was great.
Must have 5,000 votes in general elections
The meeting followed the introduction of a new electoral law in 2023, which requires political parties to receive at least 5,000 votes in a general election to be automatically included on the ballot papers at the next general election. If a party fails to meet this threshold, they must collect signatures from 1 percent of all eligible voters, which corresponds to 38,917 signatures.
Several parties affected by the change
For smaller parties like the Liberalist Party, this requirement poses a significant
