The two leading candidates represent the left and right wings of Finnish politics, but recent opinion polls have shown far-right candidates gaining ground.
advertisementVoting begins in Finland on Sunday morning, allowing citizens to vote for one of nine candidates to become the Nordic nation’s 13th president.
early voting Launched earlier this month, the country’s Election Commission Report More than 1.8 million people, or 44% of voters, made their choices ahead of Sunday’s main vote.
The two leading candidates are alex stubbe From the right-wing National Coalition Party and Green politicians Pekka HarvistBoth men have extensive foreign policy experience, an important qualification for their largely ceremonial role, but they maintain constitutional leadership in foreign affairs outside the EU. This official was also the supreme commander of the Finnish army.
Recent polls have shown that the difference between Mr. Stubbe and Mr. Haavist is within a few percentage points. Close to 0.6% -And neither candidate is likely to get more than 50% of votes in the first round, meaning the top two will head to the second round in February.
“I’m certainly excited,” said Haavisto, who was campaigning in the capital area ahead of Election Day.
“We have been touring the country quite a bit and the receptions have been great. Gas stations, cafes and clubs are packed with spectators. Ordinary Finns are now on the move. We expect a high turnout. Something is in store,” he said. he told Euronews.
Finnish EU Commissioner Jutta Urpilainenthe Social Democratic Party candidate described the atmosphere during the campaign as “very positive”.
“Over the past two months, I have visited nearly 60 Finnish cities and met personally with more than 5,000 Finns. This week, we are finally starting to see the differences between the candidates. This is what really made the election exciting.” she told Euronews.
“Many voters are still undecided and want to meet the candidates, ask questions and find out what values will guide Finland over the next six years.”
Alex Stubbe’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
Accusations of “hybrid influence operations” against far-right candidates
Despite a generally upbeat campaign period, the early-declared candidates have appeared together in dozens of panels, debates and media appearances to this point, but in recent days there has been an uproar of bias and “hybrid” Even allegations of “influence operations” are being spread on social media. media.
Some Finnish Party supporters claim there is a systematic effort to downplay the popularity of candidate Jussi Halaaho. They claim this includes suppressing public broadcaster polls that would show Mr Ale has support.
“National broadcasters should not try to influence elections. Ale is a threat to democracy.” I have written A social media user. “A hybrid operation to influence elections is underway in Finland. Everyone who has spoken out about this in the past has been labeled as an extreme right-winger,” another wrote. “Why is Mr. Ale campaigning against the presidential candidate?” [Jussi] Hara aho”, Asked 1 account. “Mr. Ale wields an almost invisible influence over public opinion,” said another person.
Euronews found that many of the accounts making allegations against Ale were prominently sharing anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim content and amplifying messages from non-extremist accounts. .
“Mr. Ale does not campaign against anyone or for anyone,” the public broadcaster’s CEO said. Said Early this month.
Dimitri Kuvintusa senior member of the Social Democratic Party and a former spokesperson for Sanna Marin, said the government should swiftly deal with “the Finnish party leadership’s accusation that Ill “influenced the election” by concealing opinion polls.” states that.
He has raised concerns that far-right party leaders may try to sow doubts about the election results if their candidates fail to advance to the second round.
“It will fit perfectly into the Finnish Party’s new strategy,” he added.
advertisementCandidates denounce allegations
Presidential candidates from some of Finland’s largest political parties were quick to condemn the allegations.
“We are worried that we are witnessing the international trend of right-wing populists questioning elections for their own interests arriving in Finland,” Jutta said. Urpilainen said.
“This is a free and fair presidential election and any suggestion otherwise is a very serious question and must be supported by concrete evidence. This is something all candidates can agree on,” he told Euronews. I hope so.”
“Despite the concerns about it, we didn’t see any signs of outside interference,” Pekka Haavisto said.
“We are campaigning for fair Finnish elections. We have not seen anything unusual in election interference, except for fake advertisements at bus stops for me and Jussi Halaaho,” he said. Ta.
advertisementThe fake ads were made to look like real election posters, but included fake quotes that appeared to be from the candidates.
Jussi Halaaho’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment.