Nearly half of voters have already cast their votes in advance, and the final election results are expected to be known shortly after polling stations close at 8 p.m.
Finnish voters headed to the polls on Sunday in cold, mostly sunny weather to choose their 13th president since independence in 1917.
incumbent president Sauli NiinistöHe was serving a maximum of two six-year terms and voted with his wife, Dr. Johnson. jenny haukioSunday at the Lederanta School polling station in Espoo.
Opinion polls released last week suggested an intensifying race for power between the two, with the centre-right National Union Party candidate winning. alexander stubbe Still clearly ahead of the centre-left Pekka Harvist (Green/Independent).
Both men have extensive experience both domestically and internationally, and have served as party leaders and foreign ministers.
Mr Stubb, 55, has also served as prime minister, member of the European Parliament, vice president of the European Investment Bank and professor at an EU university in Italy.
Mr Haavisto, 65, has held various positions at the United Nations and worked as a mediator and environmental rapporteur in the Balkans, Middle East and Africa. In 1995, he became Europe’s first Green cabinet minister.
There are few major differences in their views on foreign and security policy, which is the president’s main responsibility under the Finnish constitution. Both candidates are relatively liberal, pro-EU, pro-Ukrainian internationalists, so whoever wins is unlikely to bring about dramatic changes in Finnish policy.
Haavisto voted with his spouse in Helsinki’s Kurosaari district on Sunday. Antonio Flores. The two have been a registered partnership since 2002.
Mr Stubb voted with his wife in the West End district of Espoo. Suzanne Ines Stubb. Mr. Flores was born in Ecuador and Ines Stubbe was born in the United Kingdom, making them the first foreign-born spouses to become Finnish presidents.
A record 46% of eligible voters have cast early votes, and vote counting is expected to proceed quickly on Sunday. Early voting will be announced immediately after polling places close at 8 p.m., with final results likely to be known by 9 p.m.
Scheduled for update.
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