Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Social Democratic Party has nearly as many as its centre-right rival, the conservative National Alliance (NCP), led by former finance minister Petri Orpo. The far right is next, judging by the partial results of today’s parliamentary elections in Finland.

After counting pre-cast votes, which make up 40.1% of registered voters, the centre-right Orpo party has 20.8%, the social democrats Marina 20.7%, and the far-right anti-immigrant Finns party 18.6%.

Marin, 37, has been Finland’s prime minister since late 2019, leading a five-party centre-left coalition. The candidate from the party that comes first traditionally holds the post of Prime Minister of Finland. – this unwritten rule has been respected without exception since 1987 – subject to securing a majority in parliament.

In any case, these elections are of particular interest because the three main candidates are fighting a controversial battle, and Finland is preparing to write a new page in its history with NATO membership in the coming days.

The country’s parliament has 200 seats. Forming a government takes an average of six weeks, and Marin is expected to be named acting prime minister at least next week, when Finland formally joins NATO.

The outcome of the election is not expected to affect the process, as all major parties are in favor of the country’s entry into the NATO alliance.

Source: RES-IPE