Norway’s Sami vote prompts discrimination claims

The Sámediggi is elected by the Sámi every four years in counjunction with Norways general election. The Sámediggi consists of 43 representatives elected by direct vote. The first election was held in 1989. The Sámediggi is now in its fifth period, 2005-2009. Photo: Kenneth Hætta.

OSLO, Sept 11 (Reuters) – Norway’s Sami, the indigenous people of Northern Europe, vote for their own parliament on Monday, but some politicians are calling for the assembly to be dissolved, saying the Sami now enjoy privileged status.

Established in 1989 to strengthen the ethnic group’s political position, the Sami parliament mainly has influence over culture, language and education, but it also has a voice in issues of exploitation of natural resources and land rights.

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