2024-01-28 03:30:00
28.01.2024 04:30
(Akt. 28.01.2024 04:30)
The candidates in a TV confrontation shortly before the election ©APA/AFP
The youngest NATO member Finland elects a new president. In the first round of the presidential election on Sunday, three female and six candidates are standing for election to succeed the previous head of state Sauli Niinistö. These include political heavyweights such as former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, former EU Currency Commissioner Olli Rehn and the current Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho.
Polling stations are open from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time (8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CET). A preliminary result should be known during the evening.
It is expected that none of the candidates will immediately receive more than half of the votes cast. If that happens, a runoff election between the two strongest candidates will take place on February 11th.
Niinistö, who led the EU’s northernmost country into NATO last year, was not allowed to run once more following two six-year terms. His successor is scheduled to take over the post on March 1st.
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