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/* Written 4:11 pm May 21, 1993 by newsdesk@igc.apc.org in igc:ips.english */
Copyright 1993 InterPress Service, all rights reserved.
Worldwide distribution via the APC networks.
*** 17-May-93 ***
SWEDEN: VOTER APATHY DOGS FIRST SAAMI ELECTIONS
By Greg McIvor
STOCKHOLM, May 17 (IPS) - Apathy among voters muted celebrations after the first-ever elections to a national parliament for Sweden's indigenous reindeer-herding people, the Saami.
A centuries-old struggle by the Saami, or Lapps, for recognition and autonomy culminated last year with the government's devolution of powers to a Saami national assembly.
However, the turnout in Sunday's inaugural election was low, with less than 50 percent of 12,000 eligible voters going to the polls.
The apparent apathy reflected deep divisions among Saami over whether the assembly would have real power. Some fear the parliament will be toothless, discussing mainly cultural issues. In its remit from the government, it is allowed to make decisions on Saami schools, culture, language and compensation to reindeer herders who lose animals to predators.
Many of the 2,000 or so reindeer herders are sceptical whether the parliament can adequately protect their livelihoods, which are threatened by disputes over grazing rights with private landowners.
One of them, Anne Signe Tomma, said on Monday: "The parliament will be full of youngsters on training schemes and others who want power. Reindeer herders, especially us older ones, will be squeezed out. What's the point for us to vote about cultural topics if reindeer herding dies out?"
The composition of the national assembly will not become clear for two weeks. Thirty one members will be elected from a total of 13 parties.
Significant powers have been devolved to the parliament and an annual grant of 11.5 million kronor (two million dollars) provided by the Swedish government. The money gives the Saami control over their schools, language and cultural activities.
Also the controversial issue of state compensation to reindeer herders for losses to protected species such as the lynx and the wolf will in future be handled by the Saami themselves.
Based in the far northern town of Kiruna, in the heart of the
Swedish Lapland, the parliament will assemble four times a year.
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Origin: Amsterdam/SWEDEN/
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