Finland’s Presidential Election 2024: Stubb and Haavisto Headed for Runoff
Helsinki, Finland – In a highly anticipated electoral contest, Finland’s presidential election took place on Sunday, January 28, 2024, with former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb emerging as the projected winner of the first round. Stubb, representing the conservative National Coalition Party, secured 27.3% of the votes, narrowly edging out Pekka Haavisto, a former foreign minister and Green League member, who garnered 25.8% of the votes. Parliamentary Speaker Jussi Halla-aho came in third place with 18.6%.
As none of the candidates managed to secure more than half of the votes, the race will proceed to a runoff election on February 11, 2024, between Stubb and Haavisto. This outcome is in line with projections made by Finnish public broadcaster YLE, which utilizes a mathematical model based on advance votes and a portion of Sunday’s votes to accurately predict election results. Exit polls are not typically conducted in Finland.
The presidential election is pivotal for Finland as it seeks a successor to the highly popular President Sauli Niinistö, whose second six-year term expires in March 2024. With approximately 4.5 million eligible voters, the election attracted a diverse field of nine candidates, including six men and three women.
Significance of the Presidential Role in Finland
Unlike many European countries, the Finnish president holds significant executive power in shaping foreign and security policies, particularly in dealings with nations outside the European Union, including the United States, Russia, and China. Additionally, the president serves as the supreme commander of the Finnish military, a crucial responsibility in the current European security landscape.
Key Issues Shaping the Election
The presidential election unfolded amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical and security context in Europe. Finland’s decision to abandon its long-standing policy of military nonalignment and join NATO in April 2024, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has propelled the country into the spotlight. This move, which drew the ire of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has placed Finland at the forefront of NATO’s defense against Russia.
The ongoing war in Ukraine, just 600 miles from Finland’s border, has further elevated the importance of the president’s role in security policy. Despite these pressing concerns, the campaign period has been characterized by a spirit of consensus among the candidates. They have expressed a unified stance on major foreign policy issues, including Finland’s future approach towards Russia, the importance of enhancing security cooperation with the United States, and the continued provision of military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
Candidates’ Perspectives on NATO Membership
Pekka Haavisto, who is running as an independent candidate, emphasized the significance of NATO membership in strengthening the alliance’s presence in the Arctic region. He believes that Finland’s and Sweden’s membership in NATO will bolster the alliance’s capabilities in the Arctic. Haavisto played a pivotal role in Finland’s accession to NATO, having signed the historic treaty last year as foreign minister.
With Sweden poised to join NATO in the near future, pending ratification by Hungary, the Nordic region is set to play a more prominent role within the alliance.
Conclusion
Finland’s presidential election has reached a critical juncture with the runoff between Alexander Stubb and Pekka Haavisto scheduled for February 11, 2024. The outcome of the election will determine who will lead Finland through a period of significant geopolitical and security challenges. As the country navigates its new position as a NATO member and addresses the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the next president will bear the responsibility of ensuring Finland’s security and prosperity.