Striving To Become A “Democracy”
By Samantha Ratwatte –JANUARY 20, 2019
Samantha Ratwatte PC
The Economist’s “Intelligence unit Democracy Index” which provides a snapshot of the state of democracy globally has ranked Norway in the top of the list as a “full democracy” while Sri Lanka is ranked as a “Flawed democracy” towards the bottom of the rankings though Sri Lanka defines itself a “Democratic Socialist Republic”.
Several factors are said to be considered in giving these rankings. What is striking though is that features in the Constitutions of Countries have been conveniently omitted and all factors taken into account are highly subjective. In this scenario analyzing some of the salient features of the top ranked “full democracy” Norwegian Constitution , makes interesting reading.
Article 1 – The Kingdom of Norway is a free, independent, indivisible and inalienable realm. Its form of government is a limited and hereditary monarchy.
According to Article 2 -the values of Norway will be based on its Christian and humanist heritage while saying it will ensure democracy, a State based on the rule of law and human rights.
The executive power is vested in the King in terms of Article 3 and
Article 4 stipulates the King shall at all times profess the Evangelical-Lutheran religion.
The King’s person cannot be censured or accused and the responsibility rests with his Council as per Article 5.
Though by Article 16 the inhabitants of the realm are said to have the right to free exercise of their religion, by the same Article the Church of Norway, an Evangelical-Lutheran church, remains the Established Church of Norway and will as such be supported by the State.
The Prime Minister and the other Members of the Council of State, together with the state secretaries, may be dismissed by the King without any prior court judgment, after he has heard the opinion of the Council of State on the subject According to Article 22.
The same applies to senior officials employed in government ministries or in the diplomatic or consular service, the highest ranking civil officials, commanders of regiments and other military formations, commandants of fortresses and officers commanding warships.
Article 24-The King chooses and dismisses, at his own discretion, his royal household and court officials.
Article 49 refers to the only power vested in the people which is the exercise of legislative power through the Storting (Parliament). The Members of the Storting are elected through free and secret elections.
Article 75(m) devolves power upon the Storting: to naturalize aliens.
Article 114-To senior official posts in the State only Norwegian citizens, men or women, who speak the language of the country, and who:
a) either were born in the realm of parents who were then Norwegian subjects;
b) or were born in a foreign country of Norwegian parents who were not at that time subjects of another State;
c) or hereafter have resided for ten years in the realm;
d) or have been naturalized by the Storting. Others may, however, be appointed as teachers at universities and institutions of higher learning, as medical practitioners and as consuls in places abroad may be appointed.
