Abstract:
This thesis analyzes the apparent contradition between the SGP's acceptance of representative parliamentary democracy and its longstanding rejection of passive female suffrage. The thesis concludes that the answer lies in the SGP's conception of democracy, specifically its theocratic ideology. Theocracy, as the SGP sees it, is a moral guideline for a democratic society. In the SGP's theocratic ideology, democracy is perfectly acceptable. Governments should follow Biblical norms, but this does not preclude the right of the people to vote. The role of women in society is merely part of those Biblical norms, hence women ought not to participate in political affairs. Also, the party is not as undivided on passive female suffrage as it seems - a large part of its membership accepts it, and the success of the first female candidate indicates the SGP electorate does too.
