100 Years of The Inter-Parliamentary Union 4.9.1989

Established in the year 1889, the Inter-Parliamentary Union is the  international organisation that brings together the parliaments of Sovereign States.  It is the sole organisation that represents the legislative branch of State on a global scale. Through  parliamentary dialogue IPU has been working for peace and cooperation among peoples for firm establishment of representative institutions.  The membership of IPU currently stands at 138 National Parliaments.

The International Association of French Speaking Parliamentarians 8.7.1977

Thank you Merja for this nice FDC on The International Association of French Speaking Parliamentarians.

150th anniversary of the Finnish Parliament 17.9.2013

On  September 17, 2013 Itella Posti Oy issued a 1st class stamp to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Finnish Parliament. Established in 1863, regular parliamentary sessions played a central part in the development of the Finnish nation state.

Designed by Timo Berry, the simplified and dignified stamp depicts the words of the anniversary, describing the importance of the Parliament, Lakia, työtä, rauhaa, valoa (Law, work, peace, light), the last of which refers to civilization and culture. In the background, the borders of Finland are illuminated, detaching Finland from its past. The stamp also depicts the emblem of the anniversary.

Thank you Ella for this nice FDC.

25th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

When the 25th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference opened in Wellington in November 1979, the New Zealand Post Office released a set of three stamps to commemorate the event.

Maria sent me this lovely FDC commemorating the 25th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference It was the third time New Zealand had played host to this conference, the previous occasions were in 1950 and 1965, and the second time New Zealand stamps had commemorated such an event.

Chamber of the House of Representatives - 14c
 - Looking towards the Speakers chair.

Parliamentary Symbols - 20c
 - The black rod and the mace.

Wall Hanging - 30c
 - Which dominates the foyer of the 'Beehive' Parliament Buildings.

75th Anniv. of Finland's Unicameral Parliament 25.5.1982

The Parliament Act that came into force on 1 October 1906 was a monumental reform. It replaced the old Diet dating back to the 17th century with a 200-seat unicameral Parliament.

The new Parliament Act introduced universal suffrage. No longer was the right to vote dependent on social status or gender. The reform increased the electorate tenfold. The minimum age for voting and standing for election was set at 24.

When parliamentary elections were held in the spring of 1907, Finnish women became the first in the world to exercise full political rights, including the right to stand for election. Nineteen women were returned as MPs. The unicameral Parliament held its first session on 23 May.

The new Parliament Act called for Members of Parliament to be elected directly and by secret ballot according to a proportional system based on districts. Parliament began meeting annually, placing legislative work on a regular and permanent basis.

Thank you Pia for sending me this very informative FDC which was issued to commemorate the 75^th Anniversary of the Finnish Parliament on 25.5.1982. The stamp shows the hall of Parliament and one of the sculptures there.

250th Anniversary of the 1734 Legislation of Sweden 6.10.1984

This First Day Cover and the Finnish postage stamp on it was issued to celebrate the 250 years' anniversary of the 1734 Legislation of Sweden. At the time of the anniversary, parts of this legislation was still in use in Finland. This FDC was given to me by my dear friend Pia.