The authors reflect on a century of general voting rights in Europe, especially on the century of women's right to vote. The theme is analysed in the context of the fact that the general voting right was established in Finland - at the time a Grand Dukedom of Imperial Russia. In its national emancipation process Finland also tackled the democratisation of its politicalsystem. The text especially stresses the fact that the significant components (one house, electoral system, constitution) of the system that was radically changed at the beginning of the 20th century still hold today in terms of their fundamental characteristics. In the context of national unity during the establishment of areas of autonomy, it is also easier to understandthe fact that women in Finland attained their right to vote earlier than in other states. The first elections in 1907 and their basic novelties (including the electing of women) are analysed. The authors present the historical development of the electoral system till the present day. The paperdeals separately with the particularities of the Finnish electoral system. In conclusion, the outcome of the March 2007 elections is anticipated.
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