Finland · Elections as the foundation of democracy

Issue date14 Mar 2024

Total mintage400,000

EU maximum400,000

Editions4

Edge letteringSUOMI FINLAND + 3 lion heads

Inscription2024 / FI / VAALIT ♦ DEMOKRATIA / VAL ♦ DEMOKRATI

DesignerHannu Jasoni Veijalainen

mintSuomen Rahapaja OY, Vantaa, Finnland

Issue occasion

The commemorative coin is dedicated to the theme “Elections and Democracy”. The design depicts eight stylized, partially overlapping ballot papers made up of circles and rectangles. At the edge of the design are the Finnish and Swedish designations “VAALIT ♦ DEMOKRATIA” and “VAL ♦ DEMOKRATI”.

The design

The coin depicts stylized ballot papers consisting of circles and rectangles. Although the design is abstract, the motif is nevertheless clearly recognizable. A total of eight ballot papers can be seen, partially overlapping and forming smaller geometric shapes at these intersections. The year “2024” is located in the lower part of the coin’s design, and the mint mark “FI” is positioned slightly above the centre on the right. The inscription “VAALIT ♦ DEMOKRATIA” is arranged in a semicircle along the right edge of the design, and “VAL ♦ DEMOKRATI” along the left edge.

The twelve stars of the European flag are depicted on the coin’s outer ring.

Background on the topic

Finland’s democratic tradition dates back to the parliamentary reform of 1906. At that time, the country was an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire. The existing representation, structured according to social estates, was replaced by a unicameral parliament. At the same time, Finland introduced universal and equal suffrage. Women were granted both the right to vote and the right to stand for election. This made Finland the first European country to introduce women’s suffrage at national level. In the 1907 parliamentary election, 19 women were elected; they were the first female members of parliament worldwide.

Following the declaration of independence in 1917 and the Civil War of 1918, a parliamentary republic was established. The Constitution of 1919 laid down the basic principles of the political system. Today, members of the Finnish Parliament are elected according to proportional representation. The President is also elected directly. In addition, there are municipal elections, elections to the regional welfare areas and elections of Finnish members of the European Parliament.

The right to vote is closely linked to other democratic principles: the freedom to stand for election, the secret ballot, regular elections and equality of votes. Finnish citizens are entitled to vote in national elections from the age of 18. Under certain conditions, foreign residents may also vote in municipal elections.

The coin issue does not commemorate a round historical anniversary. However, its year of issue was particularly marked by elections. The Finnish presidential election took place at the beginning of 2024, followed by the European elections in June. The theme thus links the long development of Finnish suffrage with present-day political participation. The use of both national languages also refers to Finland’s constitutionally enshrined bilingualism: Finnish and Swedish are the country’s national languages.