Finland will have a new president in 2024, after Sauli Niinisto served as head of state for 12 years. Since he cannot run again, there are many candidates to replace him.
In this article, we will share some important information about the race.
What’s the problem?
Work has changed a lot from before. Urho Kalevi Kekkonen held power. The Center Party strongman ruled the country from 1956 to 1982, controlling relations with the Soviet Union and using them to impose his will in almost all areas of Finnish politics.
He was elected president four times under the presidential college system, but by the end of his quarter-century in office, some were beginning to question the centralization of power.
Since then, reforms have been implemented to limit the president’s powers. In 1991, the president lost the power to unilaterally dissolve Congress and hold new elections, term limits were imposed on the president (maximum of two terms, six years), and the president became directly elected. Ta.
Maruti Attisaari He was elected in his first direct election in 1994.
The transition is seen as a shift to a more parliamentary form of government, with most decisions made by a coalition government formed after parliamentary elections.
In other words, although the president is the head of state and has little say in the day-to-day running of the country, he does play a constitutional role in foreign policy, and his statements are enthusiastically used as a kind of moral guide. This means that it will be complied with. For Finns.
Government parties want to shore up support, opposition forces want to remind voters that they still exist, and despite a somewhat diminished role, there is a shortage of candidates. Never.
When is the election?
Finns will go to the polls on January 28th, and early voting will take place from January 17th to 23rd (January 17th to 20th at polling stations outside Finland).
If no candidate receives 50% or more of the votes in the first round, the top two candidates will advance to a second runoff on February 11th.
Who can vote?
Finnish citizens can vote. Residents living abroad can vote at embassies and consulates around the world.
How to vote
Those eligible to vote will receive two voting cards by mail or electronically. If the election advances to the second round, the second card is used.
Who is running?
There are nine candidates. 8 are political party members, Pekka Harvist and ollie lane Despite their long track record in party politics, they are running as independents with the support of at least 20,000 voters.
Mika Aaltra is running as an independent candidate after gaining attention through extensive media exposure following Russia’s attack on Ukraine in early 2022.
alexander stubbe A former minister and prime minister, he has now returned to politics and represents the liberal opinion within the right-wing National Coalition party.
Pekka Harvist This will be his third candidacy after losing to the Greens in 2012 and 2018.
Jussi Halaaho He is a populist and former head of the Finland Party who has a passionate following online and is using his hard-line stance on immigration to maximize support.
ollie lane He has a long career that includes ministerial and EU commissioner posts, as well as a career in eastern Finland.
lee anderson She is a leader of the Left Alliance and says she wants to offer voters a left-wing option.
Jutta Urpilainen He took a break from his role as EU Commissioner to stand as an SDP candidate. She has previously led the party and served as finance minister.
Harry “Hyjaris” Halkimo He is a member of parliament, a businessman, and a former host of the Finnish version of The Apprentice. In 2018 he left the National Coalition Party and formed his own group, Movement Now.
sari essay I am a candidate for the Christian Democratic Party. A former race walker, she has expressed her conservative views on social issues during her campaign.
Ale’s presidential election compass provides perspective on how candidates line up on various issues.Compass is available in English here.
Who is likely to win?
Eel’s latest poll shows both Mr. Stubbe and Mr. Hervist in the lead. Behind them are Lane, Halaaho and Urpilainen.
Most Finnish presidents are members of the National Union Party, Center Party, Social Democratic Party, or predecessors of these parties.
If no candidate receives a majority of votes in the first round, a second round of voting will begin. According to opinion polls, a second round of voting is likely to be held in this election.
In the second round, many voters will be unable to vote for their favorite candidate and will be faced with having to choose between two remaining candidates.
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