Human rights and democracy

Norway is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democratic system. The Storting (parliament) is the supreme legislative body, with 169 representatives elected every four years. The King is the formal head of state, but political power rests with the elected government. The Prime Minister (statsminister) leads the government and is usually the leader of the largest party or coalition in the Storting.

Norway is divided into three levels of government: the state (national), counties (fylker), and municipalities (kommuner). Elections are held at both national and local levels. All Norwegian citizens aged 18 and over have the right to vote in national elections. Foreign residents who have lived in Norway for at least three years can vote in local elections.

Human rights are protected by the Norwegian Constitution and international conventions that Norway has ratified, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Key rights include freedom of expression, freedom of religion, the right to privacy, equality before the law, and protection from discrimination. The rule of law ensures that government power is exercised within legal boundaries, and courts are independent of political authority.