Finland is heading to the polls today to elect a new president, and the significance of this office has heightened due to increased tensions with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The strained relations prompted Finland to join NATO in April 2023.
The polls opened at 9:00 am (0700 GMT) and will close at 8:00 pm. Results from advance voting will be confirmed soon after polls close on Sunday, with full results expected as the vote count progresses. The first-round results will be officially confirmed on January 30.
Presidential Powers:
The president plays a crucial role in leading foreign and security policy, representing the country at NATO meetings, and serving as the commander-in-chief of the Finnish Defence Forces. The president is responsible for decisions on significant changes in military preparedness, appointing and discharging ministers, high-ranking civil servants, and Supreme Court judges. At the prime minister’s request, the president can order an early parliamentary election if justified.
Presidential Candidates:
The main presidential candidates include former conservative Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, ex-foreign minister Pekka Haavisto of the Green Party (running as an independent), and far-right Finns Party candidate Jussi Halla-aho. Olli Rehn, the Bank of Finland Governor and ECB governing council member on leave of absence, is also running as a candidate.
Winning Requirements:
To win the presidency in the first round, a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the cast ballots. If no candidate achieves this threshold, a second-round run-off between the top two candidates will take place on February 11. Since transitioning from an electoral college to a direct popular vote in 1994, no president may be elected for more than two consecutive terms. Candidates are nominated by registered political parties or constituency associations established by 20,000 eligible voters.
Challenges and Issues:
In August 2023, Finland faced an influx of migrants entering through its eastern border without visas. Helsinki accused Moscow of pushing migrants in a hybrid attack to destabilize Finland, leading to the closure of the eastern border in November.
During the final televised debate, candidate Alexander Stubb highlighted the use of humans as a weapon by Russia, framing it as a migrant issue and emphasizing the need to prioritize Finland’s security. Pekka Haavisto, the main rival, stressed the importance of sending Russia a clear message that such actions cannot continue.
Incumbent President Sauli Niinisto, who served two terms, initially had close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin before becoming a vocal critic. All presidential candidates emphasize Finland’s independence and its role as a NATO member.
Voting Expectations:
A poll by public broadcaster Yle indicates Stubb leading in the first round with 27 percent of the vote, followed by Haavisto with 23 percent and Halla-aho with 18 percent. Stubb’s experience as prime minister and Haavisto’s various ministerial posts are factors valued by voters. The election is expected to focus on the personalities of the candidates, with a potential second-round run-off on February 11.
As Finland navigates these elections, the candidates’ positions on key issues, including relations with Russia, national security, and migration, will shape the country’s future direction. The outcome will likely influence Finland’s stance on global geopolitics, particularly within the context of NATO and regional cooperation.
