Finnish democracy - forerunner in fairness

The Finnish Parliament is celebrating its centennial in 2006-2007. Universal and equal suffrage was enacted in Finland in 1906 and the first elections for the new unicameral Parliament were held in 1907. The system of parliamentary representation stretching back 100 years has proved its durability throughout all these periods.

In 1906 Finland was still an autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian empire but became independent ten years later, in 1917, since when the country has lived through two world wars, the cold war and become a member of the European Union.

Parliamentary reform brought about a major upheaval in political life. The right to vote was extended for the first time to include all of the country's adult citizens irrespective of gender, class, wealth or position. The number of people entitled to vote increased ten-fold: 85% of the men who were not represented at the Diet which preceded Parliament could now go to the ballot box together with all women, who had had no political rights whatsoever until then. Finland was the first country in Europe to allow universal and equal suffrage and Finnish women were the first in the world to be eligible to stand as candidates in national elections.

In connection with the centennial a travelling exhibition looks at Parliament's role and significance in Finnish society. "The Right to Vote - Trust in Law - One hundred years of Finnish Democracy" exhibition was shown in Zagreb's National and University Library 13-28 July 2006.

Virtual Finland - Politics & Society(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window)