Finland's First Parliamentary Elections Held

March 15th, 1907

March 15th, 1907

Finland's First Parliamentary Elections Held
How Long Ago?

117 years, 11 months, 27 days ago

Location

Finland

Category

Politics & Government

Links & References
Tags

Finland's First Parliamentary Elections Held

The first parliamentary elections in the Grand Duchy of Finland took place under a new electoral law. This marked a significant shift towards democratic governance in Finland, allowing universal suffrage for men and women. The elections reflected the growing desire for autonomy and self-governance amid the influence of Russian rule. Approximately 190 representatives were elected to the Finnish Parliament, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.

First elections with universal suffrage in Finland.

Increased political participation for both genders.

Paved the way for Finland's independence movement.

Reflective of growing national sentiments against Russian rule.

What Happened?

The first parliamentary elections in the Grand Duchy of Finland were a landmark development, following the implementation of an electoral law that established a major democratic reform. Under this law, all Finnish citizens aged 24 years and older were allowed to vote, marking the introduction of universal suffrage for both men and women, a rare achievement at that time. This historic election allowed for the selection of 200 representatives to the newly formed Parliament, signifying a great leap towards democratic governance in the region. The elections were conducted amidst a rising national sentiment advocating for more autonomy from Russia, which had been dominating Finland's political sphere since it was made a Grand Duchy in 1809.The election campaign period was characterized by vigorous political debates and rallies, where several political parties, including the Finnish Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the Young Finnish Party, promoted their platforms and engaged the populace. The turnout was remarkably high, reflecting the enthusiasm and interest of the Finnish people in shaping their governing body. The results of the elections brought diverse voices into Parliament and demonstrated the clear will of the Finnish citizens for an independent legislative authority that could potentially pave the way for greater autonomy and political reforms. The elected parliament would later become instrumental in articulating Finland's aspirations for independence, which would be realized in 1917.

Why Does it Matter?

This event is interesting as it represented Finland's transition towards a modern democratic state. The introduction of universal suffrage paved the way for Finland's eventual independence, as it empowered citizens to participate actively in governance, shifting the political landscape of the region. This was significant in the context of European politics, especially given that women's suffrage was not yet widespread around the continent.

Discover More Historic Events from March 15th

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Sri Lankan Protests Erupt Over Economic Crisis

March 15th, 2022 2 years ago

Amid a severe economic crisis, Sri Lankans took to the streets expressing their frustration against rising prices, shortages of essential goods, and rampant inflation. Major cities like Colombo witnessed large-scale demonstrations, fueled by public anger towards the government’s handling of the situation. Citizen activists and various groups organized protests demanding accountability from leadership and solutions to the ongoing hardships faced by the populace.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Global Youth Climate Strike Movement Thrives

March 15th, 2019 5 years ago

Approximately 1.4 million young people in 123 countries participated in a global climate strike, demanding urgent action on climate change. This mass mobilization was significantly inspired by the efforts of Swedish student Greta Thunberg, who initiated the school strike for climate movement. Young activists and students skipped school to march and protest in various cities, calling on governments to take decisive measures against the climate crisis. By coming together in a unified manner, the striking youth aimed to raise awareness and inspire political action on sustainability issues.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Initiation of Hong Kong's Massive Protest Movement

March 15th, 2019 5 years ago

A significant rally sparked public opposition against the Hong Kong government when thousands gathered to protest the proposed extradition bill. This bill, seen as a move toward increased control by the Chinese government, brought together diverse demographics of Hong Kong's citizens. Activists argued that it would undermine the region's autonomy and put individuals at risk of politically motivated charges in mainland China. The protest, organized by civil society groups, was a precursor to a series of large-scale demonstrations that would dominate the following months.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Fifty-one killed in Christchurch mosque shootings

March 15th, 2019 5 years ago

In New Zealand, two mosques were attacked during Friday prayers by a lone gunman, resulting in the death of fifty-one people. The shooter, Brenton Tarrant, was reportedly motivated by extremist views and aimed to target Muslims. The attacks occurred in Christchurch, a city known for its cultural diversity, during a time when the Muslim community gathered for prayer. The incidents sparked national and international outrage, raising concerns about hate crimes and the safety of religious communities.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Outbreak of Conflict in Syria

March 15th, 2011 13 years ago

In Syria, protests erupted in March 2011, aiming for political reform and the release of political prisoners. Inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, demonstrators took to the streets in cities like Daraa, demanding greater freedoms. The government's harsh response included violent crackdowns, escalating tensions and igniting a nationwide protest movement. The situation swiftly deteriorated, leading to armed resistance and conflicts between regime forces and opposition groups.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Explosions at Gërdec Ammunition Depot Claims Lives

March 15th, 2008 16 years ago

Stockpiles of obsolete ammunition exploded at an ex-military ammunition depot in Gërdec, Albania, resulting in the death of 26 individuals. The explosions, which occurred in the vicinity of a residential area, caused extensive damage to nearby homes and infrastructure. Local authorities reported that many victims were individuals involved in the unauthorized demolition of military munitions. The incident raised significant concerns about the safety and regulation of military surplus materials in Albania.

Continue Reading