Democracy

Finland is a democratic nation. This means that in Finland, the citizens have the power to decide how the nation is run. Finnish democracy is a representative democracy, which means that citizens choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf. These representatives are chosen through fair and free elections. These elected decision-makers should listen to the opinions of their voters, as failure to do so may result in losing votes in the next election.

In democratic nations, all people have the same fundamental rights. These fundamental rights include freedom of speech, freedom of association and equality before the law. People are free to judge the actions of decision-makers without fear of consequences. Decision-makers do not make decisions alone, instead, they discuss matters both together and with different societal agents.

The video below briefly discusses democracy in Finland, Finnish elections, freedom of speech, civic participation and active citizenship, such as association activity in Finland.

Video: KotonaSuomessa Democracy and influence in society (Demokratia ja yhteiskunnallinen vaikuttaminen) (youtube.com) (Swedish, Chinese, Tigrinya, French, Sorani, Estonian, Thai, Dari, Kurmanji, Somali, Russian, Arabic, English)

Democracy means the rule of the people

Democracy is a system of government where citizens influence decisions on shared matters, who makes these decisions, and how the funds of the nation are used. Gender or societal status does not affect who can have an impact.

Citizens choose decision-makers through elections. These decision-makers make decisions about the nation’s matters through discussions, votes and compromise.

The roots of democracy are in Classical Athens in the 4th century BC. Common matters were decided in assemblies of citizens in Athens. However, only free men over the age of 20 were allowed to participate in decision-making. Currently in democracies, typically all citizens of age have the equal right to use political power by voting or standing as a candidate. In Finland, the legal age is when you have turned 18. In some cases, citizens of other countries who live in Finland can also participate in decision-making. 

In direct and participatory democracy, everyone participates in decisions

Democracy can be direct, participatory or representative. Direct democracy means, for example, that a national assembly or referendum decides on a matter. The decision is directly based on the opinion of the citizens. The opinion of the majority wins. When a citizen participates in the vote, they can directly impact the outcome of the election.

Direct democracy is difficult to carry out on a national scale, because there are so many people. In a direct democracy, every citizen would have to spend a lot of time on deciding about shared matters by participating in meetings, votes and elections. That is why many democratic nations choose to only decide on some matters through means of direct democracy. For example, an advisory referendum was organised in Finland in 1994 about whether Finland should join the European Union or not.

Participatory democracy means different ways in which people can participate in common decisions in a more informal way. Participatory democracy can mean, for example, civic participation or municipal resident panels (kuntalaispaneeli) where the municipality invites all residents to discuss a matter to be decided. The panel does not directly make a decision, but politicians listen to this and consider the people’s views when making the decision.

In a representative democracy, people choose decision-makers

Democratic nations typically use representative democracy which can be supplemented by direct and participatory democracy. This model is also in use in Finland. Elections are regularly organised in Finland, and these allow citizens to choose representatives for themselves. These representatives do political work in society and represent ordinary citizens.

When a candidate receives a sufficient number of votes in an election, they are elected. This means they receive a mandate from the people to make decisions about common matters on behalf of others. The voters thus hand over some of their power to the elected decision-maker. Finnish citizens elect Members of Parliament, members of municipal councils, and members of county councils. Municipal councils make decisions in municipalities, and county councils make decisions in wellbeing services counties.

In representative democracies, elected representatives work either full time or part time and they decide on common matters on behalf of the citizens. This allows other citizens to focus on their own work.

Representatives are allowed to make independent decisions and they do not have to adhere to the will of their voters. However, voters are interested in how these representatives do their work and what types of decisions they make. For example, the president, ministers and Members of Parliament often have to justify their decisions to voters. The task of the media is to monitor this and report how these representatives use the power granted to them.

Political decision-makers often have to familiarise themselves with complex matters in a short time. The resources of the state and municipalities are limited. Decisions about what shared money is used for and how much is used must be such that politicians can justify these to their voters and supporters. If a representative wants voters to choose them in the next election, they must try to stick to the promises they have made to the voters.

Free elections are essential in a democracy

Free and honest elections are one of the most important features of democracy. In a free election, votes cannot be bought nor sold. No person can be forced to vote in a certain way. Election fraud is not possible. Election fraud means that someone tries to impact the outcome of the election in a dishonest way.

In some countries, election fraud occurs for different reasons and votes or outcomes may be fabricated. Extensive election fraud is more likely in unstable societies. Organising elections in Finland is strictly regulated and monitored. The results are reliable and the losing party also accepts the outcome of the election.

In a democracy, people must be able to choose between different options in elections and other decisions. In an election, there must be a minimum of two choices.

In an election, parties which receive the most votes receive the most representatives. This does not mean that until the next election, the majority would have the right to discriminate or oppress the minority, meaning the people who disagree with them. In a society representing liberal democracy and in a constitutional state, authority must be used in a way that respects basic and human rights and individual freedom. All people must be treated equally and according to the fundamental rights written in the constitution.

Fundamental rights are the basis of democracy

Keskeisiä perusoikeuksia demokratiassa ovat muun muassa sananvapaus, kokoontumis- ja yhdistymisvapaus, vaali- ja osallistumisoikeus, yhdenvertaisuus lain edessä sekä tasa-arvo. Ihmisten perusoikeudet ja niiden turvaaminen yhteiskunnassa kytkeytyvät tiiviisti demokratian toteutumiseen.

More information about fundamental rights in Finland in in The individual’s rights and obligations

Freedom of speech protects societal discussion

Freedom of speech means, for example, the right for people to judge political representatives and those in power if they are not satisfied with their actions. For example, in newspapers and social media in Finland, there is constant, active discussion on societal matters. Anyone living in Finland can participate in this discussion and write what they think about these matters or decision-makers. You can also directly contact politicians and express your thoughts. People can also judge the work of politicians without becoming targets of pressuring or threats. Even inappropriate opinions can be voiced, but hate speech is restricted through legislation and threatening others is illegal.

Discussion is important in democracy. Politicians from different parties discuss and negotiate with each other as well as with officials, experts, non-governmental associations, and other civic agents, companies and other agents when they make decisions about matters which affect everybody.

All people who are interested in common issues and who follow what happens in politics and society are needed in these discussions. Politicians receive important information from voters about what does not work in society and how problems could be fixed. The matters on which politicians decide often affect the everyday lives of everyone living in Finland.

The freedom of assembly and association make it possible to come together

The freedom of assembly means that everyone has the right to organise meetings and demonstrations as well as participate in these. Freedom of association means that people can form associations to promote matters important to them and promote shared goals. Associations can be political associations or associations promoting certain interests. These associations want to promote the matters of certain groups of people.

Democratic states operate under the rule of law

In a democratic nation, all people are equal before the law. Authorities and employers must treat all people equally. Democratic states are also constitutional states. This means that public activities must adhere to the law. If a person believes that a mistake has been made in an authority’s decision, they can make a complaint about this.

More information about the activities of authorities in Dealing with authorities

More information about the constitutional state in The Finnish legal system