Ruling Party Suffers Major Setback at Polls

Shunned by voters weary of high taxes in a nation rich from oil, the ruling Labor Party suffered its worst election showing in 77 years.

With 98% of the vote counted, no party emerged with a majority in the legislature, setting off a scramble to forge alliances to possibly force the Labor government from power.

Nevertheless, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said he was prepared to remain in office until he could determine whether Labor’s policies have support in parliament.

Election officials said Labor won 24% of the vote, its worst showing since 1924. That would give it 43 seats in the 165-member parliament, down from its current 65 seats.