Norwegian local elections, 2007
Encyclopedia
Country-wide local elections for seats in municipality and county councils were held throughout Norway
on September 10, 2007, with some areas polling on September 9 as well. For most places this meant that two elections, the municipal elections
and the county elections ran concurrently. In addition, several municipalities held direct mayoral elections.
For the country at large, the election produced a major setback for the Socialist Left Party
, while most other parties, including the two other parties of the governing Red-Green Coalition
, the Norwegian Labour Party
and the Centre Party
, made some advances or held their position from 2003.
in order to vote. This change was criticized by the Red Electoral Alliance
who argued that poor people without such documents would be unable to afford such a document, and thus wind up disenfranchised. The minister in charge of the election, Åslaug Haga
, prompted the local election authorities to exercise discretion, and aid people who need identification if necessary. It was also not necessary to have identification if the ballot recipient knew the voter and could vouch for him or her.
would be lower than the 59% of the 2003 local elections, which was already low by Norwegian standards. Even so, a few days before the early voting
deadline had past, about 291,200 ballots had been cast prior to the election, up from the 249,022 ballots cast in 2003 .
The final result showed a turnout of 61.7% in the municipal election, and 57.5% in the county election.
In the large cities, Oslo
and Bergen
retained a majority for the non-socialist parties. The Labour Party enjoyed significant gains in Trondheim
and Tromsø
. A Conservative-Labour coalition will share the power in Stavanger
(continue) and Kristiansand
(new).
Part of the explanation for SV's poor performance has been laid on their performance in the cabinet. In particular Helen Bjørnøy
, the minister of environmental affairs, and Øystein Djupedal
, the minister of education and research have faced criticism. Bjørnøy has been well respected, but has suffered due to having to make compromises on environmental issues, in particular to the Centre Party which favors rural development, often over conservation. Djupedal has had to contend with accusations of arrogance, and several teachers, who SV have traditionally fared well amongst, have complained about the lack of improvement in the country's education system. Also, SV's party leader and Norway's minister of finance, Kristin Halvorsen
has been behind some unpopular economic measures. Olav Gunnar Ballo
, an SV member of parliament has called for the resignation of both Bjørnøy and Djupedal, but on the day after the election, Halvorsen announced that none of the SV cabinet members would be fired.
, it was revealed that a number of drug addicts had been offered 50 NOK (approximately 8 USD) if they would vote for the Labour Party, and with a personal vote for the candidate Yousuf Gilani. There were also allegations that Gilani had escorted voters into the election booths. Another allegation was that a person who declined a bribe to vote in this manner was subjected to death threats. The police investigating the allegations indicated that electoral fraud
had indeed taken place, Gilani was asked by his party to take a leave from his political duties. Gilani took a leave, and both he and the Labour Party have stated that this was a decision made on Gilani's initiative.
Gilani himself reported the case to the police, denying any wrongdoing and stating his belief that the incident was part of a smear campaign
. Gilani also reported death threats and incidents of harassment directed against him during the run-up to the election.
Two members of the Drammen council, from the Progress Party
and the Socialist Left Party
called for the result to be cancelled, and for new elections to be held in the city. Åslaug Haga
, the minister whose cabinet was in charge of the elections, also hinted that a rerun might become necessary.However, the mayor, Tore Opdal Hansen (Conservative), while expressing shock at the revelations, said that would probably not happen. It was pointed out that the scope of the fraud appeared small, and that even if all the 364 Labour ballots with a personal vote for Gilani were thrown out, that there would be no effect on the council's composition partywise. A meeting in the Drammen election board September 24 approved the result, prompting demands for law amendments ro allow election reruns even if the party composition in the council remained unchanged. Mayor Hansen was among those expressing disappointment at the board not having the authority to reject the result, even if the personal composition of the council could be altered. Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa
, the new minister of Local Government and Regional Development, and in charge of the Norwegian elections at large, promised to consider amendments to the tighten the law if needed to prevent such incidents happening again.
Among the notable results in these elections was Knut Henning Thygesen
's victory in Risør
, making him the first mayor ever for the Red Electoral Alliance
.
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
on September 10, 2007, with some areas polling on September 9 as well. For most places this meant that two elections, the municipal elections
Norwegian municipal elections
In Norway, municipal elections are local elections which are held every four years to elect representatives to the municipality councils. The elections are conducted concurrently with the Norwegian county elections. The last election was held on September 10, 2007 , the next will be held in 2011...
and the county elections ran concurrently. In addition, several municipalities held direct mayoral elections.
For the country at large, the election produced a major setback for the Socialist Left Party
Socialist Left Party (Norway)
The Socialist Left Party or SV, is a Norwegian left-wing political party. At one point one of the smallest parties in Parliament, it became the fourth-largest political party in Norway for the first time in the 2001 parliamentary election, and has been so ever since...
, while most other parties, including the two other parties of the governing Red-Green Coalition
Red-Green Coalition (Norway)
The Red-Green Coalition is a centre-left coalition of Norwegian parties, formed by the Labour , the Socialist Left Party , and the Centre Party. Unlike many other Red-Green coalitions, the "Green" here is the colour of a centrist party rather than an actual Green party...
, the Norwegian Labour Party
Norwegian Labour Party
The Labour Party is a social-democratic political party in Norway. It is the senior partner in the current Norwegian government as part of the Red-Green Coalition, and its leader, Jens Stoltenberg, is the current Prime Minister of Norway....
and the Centre Party
Centre Party (Norway)
The Centre Party is a centrist and agrarian political party in Norway, founded in 1920. The Centre Party's policy is not based on any of the major ideologies of the 19th and 20th century, but has a focus on maintaining decentralised economic development and political decision-making.From its...
, made some advances or held their position from 2003.
Identification requirement
A new rule required voters to produce an identity documentIdentity document
An identity document is any document which may be used to verify aspects of a person's personal identity. If issued in the form of a small, mostly standard-sized card, it is usually called an identity card...
in order to vote. This change was criticized by the Red Electoral Alliance
Red Electoral Alliance
Red Electoral Alliance was an alliance of left-wing groups formed into a Norwegian political party to promote revolutionary far-left ideals into the Norwegian parliament...
who argued that poor people without such documents would be unable to afford such a document, and thus wind up disenfranchised. The minister in charge of the election, Åslaug Haga
Åslaug Haga
Åslaug Marie Haga is a Norwegian politician. She was the leader of the Centre Party from 2003 to 2008.-Early life and career:Haga was born in Nes, Akershus. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Oslo...
, prompted the local election authorities to exercise discretion, and aid people who need identification if necessary. It was also not necessary to have identification if the ballot recipient knew the voter and could vouch for him or her.
Voter turnout concerns
Ahead of the election, it was feared that voter turnoutVoter turnout
Voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election . After increasing for many decades, there has been a trend of decreasing voter turnout in most established democracies since the 1960s...
would be lower than the 59% of the 2003 local elections, which was already low by Norwegian standards. Even so, a few days before the early voting
Early voting
Early voting is the process by which electors can vote on a single or series of days prior to an election. Early voting can take place remotely, such as by mail, or in person, usually in designated early voting polling stations. The availability and time periods for early voting vary based on...
deadline had past, about 291,200 ballots had been cast prior to the election, up from the 249,022 ballots cast in 2003 .
The final result showed a turnout of 61.7% in the municipal election, and 57.5% in the county election.
Municipal elections
2,209,706 valid votes were cast for the municipal elections, a turnout of 61,7 %. These are the aggregate results:In the large cities, Oslo
Oslo
Oslo is a municipality, as well as the capital and most populous city in Norway. As a municipality , it was established on 1 January 1838. Founded around 1048 by King Harald III of Norway, the city was largely destroyed by fire in 1624. The city was moved under the reign of Denmark–Norway's King...
and Bergen
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway with a population of as of , . Bergen is the administrative centre of Hordaland county. Greater Bergen or Bergen Metropolitan Area as defined by Statistics Norway, has a population of as of , ....
retained a majority for the non-socialist parties. The Labour Party enjoyed significant gains in Trondheim
Trondheim
Trondheim , historically, Nidaros and Trondhjem, is a city and municipality in Sør-Trøndelag county, Norway. With a population of 173,486, it is the third most populous municipality and city in the country, although the fourth largest metropolitan area. It is the administrative centre of...
and Tromsø
Tromsø
Tromsø is a city and municipality in Troms county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Tromsø.Tromsø city is the ninth largest urban area in Norway by population, and the seventh largest city in Norway by population...
. A Conservative-Labour coalition will share the power in Stavanger
Stavanger
Stavanger is a city and municipality in the county of Rogaland, Norway.Stavanger municipality has a population of 126,469. There are 197,852 people living in the Stavanger conurbation, making Stavanger the fourth largest city, but the third largest urban area, in Norway...
(continue) and Kristiansand
Kristiansand
-History:As indicated by archeological findings in the city, the Kristiansand area has been settled at least since 400 AD. A royal farm is known to have been situated on Oddernes as early as 800, and the first church was built around 1040...
(new).
County elections
2,076,609 valid votes were cast for the county elections, a turnout of 57,5 %. These are the aggregate results:Response
For the country at large, the Socialist Left Party's (SV) popularity plummeted, and the result was described as a "catastrophe". Most other main line parties could log slight gains or a result comparable with the previous election.Part of the explanation for SV's poor performance has been laid on their performance in the cabinet. In particular Helen Bjørnøy
Helen Bjørnøy
Helen Oddveig Bjørnøy is a Norwegian Lutheran minister and politician . From October 2005 to October 2007, she was Minister of the Environment in the Red-Green Coalition cabinet headed by Jens Stoltenberg...
, the minister of environmental affairs, and Øystein Djupedal
Øystein Djupedal
Øystein Kåre Djupedal, born 5 May 1960 in Oslo, Norway, is a Norwegian politician for the Socialist Left Party and a member of Storting for Sør-Trøndelag County where he has sat since the 1993 election. For two years from 17 October 2005 until 18 October 2007 he was the Minister of Education and...
, the minister of education and research have faced criticism. Bjørnøy has been well respected, but has suffered due to having to make compromises on environmental issues, in particular to the Centre Party which favors rural development, often over conservation. Djupedal has had to contend with accusations of arrogance, and several teachers, who SV have traditionally fared well amongst, have complained about the lack of improvement in the country's education system. Also, SV's party leader and Norway's minister of finance, Kristin Halvorsen
Kristin Halvorsen
Kristin Halvorsen is a Norwegian socialist politician and was the Minister of Finance from 17 October 2005 until 20 October 2009. She is now the Minister of Education in Stoltenberg's second cabinet....
has been behind some unpopular economic measures. Olav Gunnar Ballo
Olav Gunnar Ballo
Olav Gunnar Ballo is a Norwegian politician for the Socialist Left Party . He was elected to the Norwegian Parliament from Finnmark in 1997. He studied medicine at University of Würzburg, and has been a doctor. He represented SV in Alta municipality council from 1991-1997.Ballo lost his daughter...
, an SV member of parliament has called for the resignation of both Bjørnøy and Djupedal, but on the day after the election, Halvorsen announced that none of the SV cabinet members would be fired.
Allegations of electoral fraud in Drammen
In the municipal election in DrammenDrammen
Drammen is a city in Buskerud County, Norway. The port and river city of Drammen is centrally located in the eastern and most populated part of Norway.-Location:...
, it was revealed that a number of drug addicts had been offered 50 NOK (approximately 8 USD) if they would vote for the Labour Party, and with a personal vote for the candidate Yousuf Gilani. There were also allegations that Gilani had escorted voters into the election booths. Another allegation was that a person who declined a bribe to vote in this manner was subjected to death threats. The police investigating the allegations indicated that electoral fraud
Electoral fraud
Electoral fraud is illegal interference with the process of an election. Acts of fraud affect vote counts to bring about an election result, whether by increasing the vote share of the favored candidate, depressing the vote share of the rival candidates or both...
had indeed taken place, Gilani was asked by his party to take a leave from his political duties. Gilani took a leave, and both he and the Labour Party have stated that this was a decision made on Gilani's initiative.
Gilani himself reported the case to the police, denying any wrongdoing and stating his belief that the incident was part of a smear campaign
Smear campaign
A smear campaign, smear tactic or simply smear is a metaphor for activity that can harm an individual or group's reputation by conflation with a stigmatized group...
. Gilani also reported death threats and incidents of harassment directed against him during the run-up to the election.
Two members of the Drammen council, from the Progress Party
Progress Party (Norway)
The Progress Party is a political party in Norway which identifies as conservative liberal and libertarian. The media has described it as conservative and right-wing populist...
and the Socialist Left Party
Socialist Left Party (Norway)
The Socialist Left Party or SV, is a Norwegian left-wing political party. At one point one of the smallest parties in Parliament, it became the fourth-largest political party in Norway for the first time in the 2001 parliamentary election, and has been so ever since...
called for the result to be cancelled, and for new elections to be held in the city. Åslaug Haga
Åslaug Haga
Åslaug Marie Haga is a Norwegian politician. She was the leader of the Centre Party from 2003 to 2008.-Early life and career:Haga was born in Nes, Akershus. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Oslo...
, the minister whose cabinet was in charge of the elections, also hinted that a rerun might become necessary.However, the mayor, Tore Opdal Hansen (Conservative), while expressing shock at the revelations, said that would probably not happen. It was pointed out that the scope of the fraud appeared small, and that even if all the 364 Labour ballots with a personal vote for Gilani were thrown out, that there would be no effect on the council's composition partywise. A meeting in the Drammen election board September 24 approved the result, prompting demands for law amendments ro allow election reruns even if the party composition in the council remained unchanged. Mayor Hansen was among those expressing disappointment at the board not having the authority to reject the result, even if the personal composition of the council could be altered. Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa
Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa
Magnhild Meltveit Kleppa is a Norwegian politician for the Centre Party. She was the Minister of Social Affairs from 1997 to 2000 and was appointed Norwegian Minister of Local Government and Regional Development on 21 September 2007. On 20 October 2009, she swapped departments and became Minister...
, the new minister of Local Government and Regional Development, and in charge of the Norwegian elections at large, promised to consider amendments to the tighten the law if needed to prevent such incidents happening again.
Direct mayoral elections
Several municipalities held direct mayoral elections rather than having the council appoint the mayor. The municipalities holding these elections were (municipalities who held such elections for the first time are marked "(new)"):- ØstfoldØstfoldis a county in southeastern Norway, bordering Akershus and southwestern Sweden , while Buskerud and Vestfold is on the other side of the bay. The seat of the county administration is Sarpsborg, and Fredrikstad is the largest city.Many manufacturing facilities are situated here. Moss and...
- EidsbergEidsbergEidsberg is a municipality in Østfold county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the town of Mysen. Neighboring municipalities are Rakkestad, Askim, Skiptvet, Trøgstad, and Marker in Østfold, and Aurskog-Høland in Akershus....
(new) - SpydebergSpydebergSpydeberg is a municipality in Østfold county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Spydeberg. It is divided into the parishes Spydeberg, Heli, and Hovin. Spydeberg was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 .The village of Spydeberg has approximately...
(new)
- Eidsberg
- AkershusAkershus- Geography :The county is conventionally divided into the traditional districts Follo and Romerike, which fill the vast part of the county, as well as the small exclave west of Oslo that consists of Asker and Bærum...
- HurdalHurdalHurdal is a municipality in Akershus county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Romerike. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Hurdal....
- NesoddenNesoddenNesodden is a municipality in Akershus county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Follo. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Nesoddtangen. The parish of Næsodden was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838...
(new)
- Hurdal
- HedmarkHedmarkis a county in Norway, bordering Sør-Trøndelag, Oppland and Akershus. The county administration is in Hamar.Hedmark makes up the northeastern part of Østlandet, the southeastern part of the country. It includes a long part of the borderline with Sweden, Dalarna County and Värmland County. The...
- AlvdalAlvdalAlvdal is a municipality in Hedmark county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Østerdalen. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Alvdal....
- TrysilTrysilTrysil is a municipality in Hedmark county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Østerdalen. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Innbygda...
- Alvdal
- OpplandOpplandis a county in Norway, bordering Sør-Trøndelag, Møre og Romsdal, Sogn og Fjordane, Buskerud, Akershus, Oslo and Hedmark. The county administration is in Lillehammer. Oppland is, together with Hedmark, one of the only two landlocked counties of Norway....
- GausdalGausdalGausdal is a municipality in Oppland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Gudbrandsdal. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Segalstad bru...
- Nord-AurdalNord-AurdalNord-Aurdal is a municipality in Oppland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Valdres. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Fagernes....
(new) - Søndre LandSøndre LandSøndre Land is a municipality in Oppland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Land. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Hov....
(new)
- Gausdal
- BuskerudBuskerudis a county in Norway, bordering Akershus, Oslo, Oppland, Sogn og Fjordane, Hordaland, Telemark, and Vestfold. The county administration is located in Drammen.-Geography:...
- LierLier, NorwayLier is an affluent municipality in Buskerud county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Lier. The municipality of Lier was established on 1 January 1838...
- HemsedalHemsedalHemsedal is a municipality in Buskerud county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Hallingdal. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Trøym. In 1897, Hemsedal was separated from the municipality of Gol to become a municipality of its own.Hemsedal is the...
(new)
- Lier
- VestfoldVestfoldis a county in Norway, bordering Buskerud and Telemark. The county administration is in Tønsberg.Vestfold is located west of the Oslofjord, as the name indicates. It includes many smaller, but well-known towns in Norway, such as Larvik, Sandefjord, Tønsberg and Horten. The river Numedalslågen runs...
- ReRe, NorwayRe is a municipality in Vestfold county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Revetal. The municipality was established in 2002 by the unification of the former municipalities of Ramnes and Våle. It includes the villages of Ramnes, Våle, Undrumsdal, Fon, Vivestad...
- HolmestrandHolmestrandis a city and municipality in Vestfold county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Holmestrad. The city was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 . The neighboring rural municipality of Botne was merged into the municipality of Holmestrand on 1 January...
(new) - NøtterøyNøtterøyNøtterøy is a municipality in Vestfold county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Borgheim.The parish of Nøtterø was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838...
(new) - StokkeStokkeStokke is a municipality in Vestfold county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Stokke.-Background:The municipality of Stokke was established on 1 January 1838...
(new) - TønsbergTønsbergis a city and municipality in Vestfold county, southern Norway, located around north-east of Sandefjord. The administrative centre of the municipality is the city of Tønsberg....
(new)
- Re
- Aust-AgderAust-Agderis a county in Norway, bordering Telemark, Rogaland, and Vest-Agder. In 2002, there were 102,945 inhabitants, which is 2.2% of the total population in Norway. Its area is . The administrative center of the county is in Arendal....
- RisørRisøris a city and municipality in Aust-Agder county, Norway. The city belongs to the traditional region of Sørlandet. It is a popular tourist place. The surrounding area includes many small lakes and hills, and is known for its beautiful coastline as well....
- Evje og HornnesEvje og HornnesEvje og Hornnes is a municipality in Aust-Agder county, Norway. It is located in the traditional region of Setesdal. Evje og Hornnes was created as a new municipality on 1 January 1960 after the merger of the two older municipalities of Evje and Hornnes....
(new)
- Risør
- Vest-AgderVest-AgderIn the 16th century, Dutch merchant vessels began to visit ports in southern Norway to purchase salmon and other goods. Soon thereafter the export of timber began, as oak from southern Norway was exceptionally well suited for shipbuilding...
- FarsundFarsundis a town and municipality in the county of Vest-Agder, Norway.The town of Farsund was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 , although already recognized as a trading center in 1795...
(new) - FlekkefjordFlekkefjordis a town and municipality in the county of Vest-Agder, Norway.The town of Flekkefjord was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 . The rural municipalities of Bakke, Gyland, Hidra, and Nes were merged with Flekkefjord on 1 January 1965.Flekkefjord is the westernmost town of the...
(new) - KvinesdalKvinesdalKvinesdal is a municipality in the county of Vest-Agder, Norway.Kvinesdal was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 . Feda was separated from Kvinesdal on 1 January 1900 but again merged with Kvinesdal on 1 January 1963. Fjotland was also merged with Kvinesdal on that date...
(new) - SongdalenSongdalenSongdalen is a municipality in Vest-Agder county, Norway. Songdalen was created as a new municipality on 1 January 1964 through the merger of the former municipalities of Finsland, Greipstad and a small part of Øvrebø. The administrative center is the village of Nodeland. The central market area...
(new)
- Farsund
- RogalandRogalandis a county in Western Norway, bordering Hordaland, Telemark, Aust-Agder and Vest-Agder. It is the center of the Norwegian petroleum industry, and as a result of this, Rogaland has the lowest unemployment rate of any county in Norway, 1.1%...
- StrandStrand, NorwayStrand is a municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. It is part of the region of Ryfylke. Strand was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 . Høle was separated from Strand in 1842....
- KleppKleppKlepp is a municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. The parish of Klep was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 ....
- VindafjordVindafjordVindafjord is a municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional district of Haugaland.Vindafjord was established as a new municipality on 1 January 1965 after the merger of the municipalities of Sandeid and Vats and large parts of Imsland, Skjold and Vikedal...
- EgersundEgersundThe town of Egersund was established as a municipality January 1, 1838 . It was merged with the surrounding municipality of Eigersund January 1, 1965....
(new) - TimeTime, NorwayTime is a municipality in Rogaland county, Norway. It is part of the region of Jæren. The administrative centre of Time is the town of Bryne.-Name:...
(new)
- Strand
- HordalandHordalandis a county in Norway, bordering Sogn og Fjordane, Buskerud, Telemark and Rogaland. Hordaland is the third largest county after Akershus and Oslo by population. The county administration is located in Bergen...
- FusaFusaFusa is a municipality in the county of Hordaland, Norway. Fusa was separated from Os in 1856. Hålandsdal and Strandvik were separated from Fusa on 1 January 1903, but they were both again merged with Fusa on 1 January 1964....
(new) - KvamKvamKvam is a municipality in the county of Hordaland, Norway. The parish of Vikør was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 . Parts of Strandebarm were merged with Kvam on 1 January 1965...
(new)
- Fusa
- Sogn og FjordaneSogn og Fjordaneis a county in Norway, bordering Møre og Romsdal, Oppland, Buskerud, and Hordaland. The county administration is in the town of Hermansverk in Leikanger municipality while the largest town is Førde....
- SeljeSeljeSelje is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Nordfjord. The village of Selje is the administrative center of Selje municipality...
- VågsøyVågsøyVågsøy is a municipality in the county of Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. It is located in the traditional district of Nordfjord. The municipality's administrative center is the town Måløy. Vågsøy is also the name of the main island in the municipality with an area of...
(new)
- Selje
- Møre og RomsdalMøre og Romsdalis a county in the northernmost part of Western Norway. It borders the counties of Sør-Trøndelag, Oppland and Sogn og Fjordane. The county administration is located in Molde, while Ålesund is the largest city.-The name:...
- GjemnesGjemnesGjemnes is a municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway on the Romsdal peninsula. It is part of the Nordmøre region. The administrative centre is Batnfjordsøra, which lies along the Batnfjorden and is a former steamship landing place...
- MoldeMoldeis a city and municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is part of the Romsdal region. The municipality is located on the Romsdal Peninsula, surrounding the Fannefjord and Moldefjord...
- AverøyAverøyAverøy is a municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is part of the region of Nordmøre. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Bruhagen. Other villages in the municipality include Sveggen, Bremsnes, Vebenstad, Kvernes, Kornstad, Kårvåg, and Langøy.The...
(new) - SulaSula, Norwayis a municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is part of the Sunnmøre region. The administrative centre is the village of Langevåg. Other villages include Solevåg, Fiskarstrand, Veibust, Leirvågen, and Mauseidvågen. Sula is one of the most densely populated municipalities of Møre og...
(new) - ØrskogØrskogØrskog is a municipality in Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. It is part of the Sunnmøre region. The administrative centre is the village of Sjøholt. European Route E39 and European Route E136 runs through the municipality, connecting the towns of Ålesund and Molde.-General information:Ørskog was...
(new)
- Gjemnes
- Sør-TrøndelagSør-Trøndelag- References :...
- HemneHemneHemne is a municipality in Sør-Trøndelag county, Norway. It is part of the Fosen region. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Kyrksæterøra. Other villages include Heim, Hellandsjøen, Holla, and Vinjeøra...
- OsenOsenis a municipality in Sør-Trøndelag county, Norway. It is part of the Fosen region. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Steinsdalen...
(new)
- Hemne
- NordlandNordlandis a county in Norway in the North Norway region, bordering Troms in the north, Nord-Trøndelag in the south, Norrbottens län in Sweden to the east, Västerbottens län to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The county was formerly known as Nordlandene amt. The county administration is...
- EvenesEvenesEvenes is a municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the Ofoten region. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Bogen.The old municipality of Ofoten was split into Evenes and Ankenes on 1 January 1884...
- DønnaDønnaDønna is a municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the Helgeland region.Outer Helgeland, consists of the municipalities Leirfjord, Alstahaug, Herøy as well as Dønna. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Solfjellsjøen. The municipality has a large...
(new)
- Evenes
- TromsTromsor Romsa is a county in North Norway, bordering Finnmark to the northeast and Nordland in the southwest. To the south is Norrbotten Län in Sweden and further southeast is a shorter border with Lapland Province in Finland. To the west is the Norwegian Sea...
- HarstadHarstadis the second largest city and municipality by population, in Troms county, Norway – the city is also the third largest in North Norway. Thus Harstad is the natural centre for its district. Situated approximately north of the Arctic Circle, the city celebrated its 100th anniversary in...
- IbestadIbestadIbestad is a municipality in Troms county, Norway. It is part of the Hålogaland traditional region. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Hamnvik. Some of the larger villages in Ibestad include Sørvika, Å, and Laupstad....
- LyngenLyngenLyngen is a municipality and a fjord in Troms county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Lyngseidet.- General information :...
- KvæfjordKvæfjordKvæfjord is a municipality in Troms county, Norway. It is part of the Hålogaland traditional region. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Borkenes....
- SkjervøySkjervøySkjervøy is a municipality in Troms county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Skjervøy on the island of Skjervøya, where most of the inhabitants live. The main industries are fishing and ship building....
- SkånlandSkånlandSkånland is a municipality in Troms county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Evenskjer.- General information :...
- MålselvMålselvMålselv is a municipality in Troms county, Norway. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of Moen. Some other villages include Andslimoen, Bardufoss, Alappmoen, Holmen, Fossmoen, and Heggelia...
- LenvikLenvikLenvik is a municipality in Troms county, Norway. The municipality is partly situated on the mainland, partly on the island of Senja. The administrative center is the town of Finnsnes, where the Gisund Bridge connects Senja to the mainland by road. Other settlements include Aglapsvik, Gibostad,...
(new)
- Harstad
- FinnmarkFinnmarkor Finnmárku is a county in the extreme northeast of Norway. By land it borders Troms county to the west, Finland to the south and Russia to the east, and by water, the Norwegian Sea to the northwest, and the Barents Sea to the north and northeast.The county was formerly known as Finmarkens...
- Deatnu Tana (new)
Among the notable results in these elections was Knut Henning Thygesen
Knut Henning Thygesen
Knut Henning Thygesen is a Norwegian author and politician for the Red Party. He was elected as mayor of Risør on 11 September 2007 in a direct mayor election as part of the 2007 municipal election with 44.5% of the votes...
's victory in Risør
Risør
is a city and municipality in Aust-Agder county, Norway. The city belongs to the traditional region of Sørlandet. It is a popular tourist place. The surrounding area includes many small lakes and hills, and is known for its beautiful coastline as well....
, making him the first mayor ever for the Red Electoral Alliance
Red (Norway)
The Red Party is a Norwegian far-left political party and the leading party to the left of the Socialist Left and the Labour Party in Norway. Since 2007 the party has sought a seat in Parliament; the only counties in which they have a realistic chance of earning a seat are Oslo and Hordaland...
.