Exhibition illustrates democracy
Centenary exhibition of the Finnish Parliament, "Right to Vote - Trust in Law, 100 Years of Finnish Democracy," has been held recently in the Consulate General of Finland in Shanghai.
The reform of the Finnish Parliament 100 years ago was very modern and it laid the foundation for Finnish democracy and civil society.
The reform became possible when the revolutionary movement strengthened and general strike broke out in Russia 1905. Strike spread to the Grand Duchy of Finland as well. Tsar Nikolai II was eventually forced to give up autocracy and he promised a parliament for Russia.
Developments in Russia also gave Finnish people hope for democratic reforms. These hopes were fulfilled on November 4, 1905 when the tsar signed the so-called November Manifesto which included the parliamentary reform.
The diet based on the four estates was replaced by a democratic unicameral parliament elected on universal suffrage.
The change was enormous. The reform of 1906 gave Finnish women the right to vote and run as candidates. Finland was the first country in Europe to give women equal democratic rights.
A new constitution and an election law were passed on June 1, 1906 and the first democratic elections were held between March 15 and 16, 1907.
Reform of the parliament 100 years ago was historically modern. Therefore the Finnish Parliament wants to also celebrate this event abroad. The centenary exhibition "Right to Vote - Trust in Law" has been shown in many different languages all over the world.
The exhibition consisted of 14 picture panels. Pictures illustrate the first steps of democracy during the period when Finland was first a part of Sweden (circa 1150-1809) and later a part of Russia (1809-1917).
The exhibition also presented the results of a hundred years of legislation, which transformed Finland into a modern Nordic welfare society.
Provided by the Embassy of Finland in China
(China Daily 12/06/2007 page24)
