On the 14th March 2017, the House of Keys held a special sitting in the Old House of Keys in Castletown to mark the 150th anniversary of the first popular elections.
Historian Dr Kit Gawne gave evidence on the introduction of a popularly elected House of Keys in 1867, and the Chief Minister moved 'that this House notes the 150th Anniversary of the introduction of direct elections for the House of Keys; notes the social and economic progress which has flowed from the introduction and extension of democratic elections in the Isle of Man; and welcomes the enhanced role for Tynwald and its branches which this reform brought about'.
