Different Institutions within Similar States: The Norwegian and SwedishSámediggis

In response to indigenous demands for self-determination, Norway and Sweden both established a Sámediggi (Sámi parliament) consisting of popularly elected Sámi representatives. The political systems of these two countries are generally regarded as similar, but there are considerable differences between the two Sámediggis. Their legal basis, authority and mandate, as well as their electoral system, seem to vary significantly between the countries; maybe even more important, so does their influence and autonomy within their respective political systems. In this article, the two Sámediggis are described and compared. How does their institutional design differ? Why did Norway and Sweden design their parliaments differently? And how have these institutions developed since their establishment?