Peruspistettä

Peruspistettä refers to a fundamental amendment to the Finnish constitution, which was approved by a national referendum in 1919. The amendment established the principles of universal suffrage and equal rights for all citizens, regardless of sex or social class.

Prior to the peruspistettä, Finland's electoral laws were heavily influenced by the nobility and the emerging bourgeoisie. Women did not have the right to vote, and the voting age was relatively high. The peruspistettä aimed to create a more democratic system, where all citizens had an equal say in the election of representatives.

The amendment reduced the voting age from 24 to 21 and guaranteed equal rights for women. It also prohibited the formation of electoral alliances and ensured that all citizens had the right to vote in all national and municipal elections.

The peruspistettä is considered a significant milestone in the development of Finnish democracy and a crucial step towards equal rights for all citizens. The amendment was largely driven by the women's suffrage movement and the labor movement, which advocated for greater representation and equality.

The peruspistettä has been influential in shaping Finland's electoral laws and continues to be a key component of the country's constitutional framework. Its legacy can be seen in Finland's continued emphasis on equality and democracy, and its commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens.