View source for 2023 Sámedagi referendum

The '''2023 Sámedagi referendum''' was a national referendum held in [[Hverland]] to decide the fate of the [[Sámedagi]], the representative assembly for the [[Hverfolk]], the indigenous population of Hverland. The referendum took place on 29 August, the same day as the regularly scheduled [[2023 Sámedagi election]]. The referendum ended in a decisive defeat, with 42.6% in favor and 57.4% opposed to the abolition.

== Background ==
The Sámedagi was established in 1966 in collaboration with the [[Office for Hverfolk and Indigenous Interests]] (HIHS). It plays a critical role in representing the Hverfolk community, contributing to legislative processes, and promoting cultural preservation, among other functions. The referendum was introduced by the majority coalition in the nation's parliament, the [[Fjallting]], consisting of the {{HV-CP}}, the {{HV-VP}}, and the {{HV-CN}}.

== Proposal ==
The referendum proposed integrating the functions and responsibilities of the Sámedagi into the Office for Hverfolk and Indigenous Interests (HIHS). According to the government, the move aimed to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve governance. However, the proposal faced severe criticism from various quarters, including the opposition parties and significant segments of the Hverfolk community.

=== Party positions ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Position
! colspan="2" |Political parties
|-
| rowspan="3" |Yes
| style="background:{{HV-CP/meta/color}}"|
| {{HV-CP}}
|-
| style="background:{{HV-VP/meta/color}}"|
| {{HV-VP}}
|-
| style="background:{{HV-CN/meta/color}}"|
| {{HV-CN}}
|-
| rowspan="1" |Neutral
| style="background:{{HV-MD/meta/color}}"|
| {{HV-MD}}
|-
| rowspan="7" |No
|-
| style="background:{{HV-LI/meta/color}}"|
| {{HV-LI}}
|-
| style="background:{{HV-GR/meta/color}}"|
| {{HV-GR}}
|-
| style="background:{{HV-SL/meta/color}}"|
| {{HV-SL}}
|-
| style="background:{{HV-AL/meta/color}}"|
| {{HV-AL}}
|-
| style="background:{{HV-NB/meta/color}}"|
| {{HV-NB}}
|-
| style="background:{{HV-AB/meta/color}}"|
| {{HV-AB}}
|}

== Public opinion ==
Throughout the campaign, the government faced challenges in conveying the rationale behind the proposed changes to the public. The lack of clear communication and perceived ambiguity led to widespread skepticism.

== Results ==
On 29 August, the referendum concluded with 42.6% of the population voting in favor and 57.4% against the abolition of the Sámedagi. The defeat was considered a significant political setback for the government and led to a decline in their public image.

{{Referendum
| yes            = 33,812
| yespct         = 42.6
| no             = 45,512
| nopct          = 57.4
| valid          = 
| validpct       = 
| invalid        = 
| invalidpct     = 
| total          = 79,324
| turnoutpct     = 78.9
| electorate     = 100,539
| source         = Hverlandic Electoral Authority
}}

== Aftermath ==
The defeat of the referendum has thrown the government into a period of introspection and has opened up new questions about their future policy directions. The result also signifies a public endorsement of the Sámedagi’s role in maintaining the cultural, economic, and political integrity of the Hverfolk community.

== See also ==
* [[Sámedagi]]
* [[Hverfolk]]
* [[Office for Hverfolk and Indigenous Interests]]
* [[2023 Sámedagi election]]