Finland elects president amid tensions with Russia

HELSINKI: Finns headed to the polls on Sunday to elect a new president, an office whose importance has grown on increased tensions with neighbouring Russia since the invasion of Ukraine.

While the president´s powers are limited, the head of state -- who also acts as supreme commander of Finland´s armed forces -- helps direct foreign policy in collaboration with the government, meaning the changing geopolitical landscape in Europe will be the main concern for the winner.

Two top politicians lead the pack of nine candidates: former conservative prime minister Alexander Stubb, and ex-foreign minister Pekka Haavisto of the Green Party who is running as an independent.

Just behind the frontrunners are far-right Finns Party candidate Jussi Halla-aho, who experts believe could also make it to the second round.

The polls opened at 9:00 am (0700 GMT), and will close at 8:00 pm.

Voter Hannu Kuusitie told AFP the country needs a president with “leadership” and “humanity”.

“Of course, he must also be tough when necessary,” he added.

Relations between Moscow and Helsinki deteriorated following Russia´s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, prompting Finland to drop decades of military non-alignment and join Nato in April 2023.

Russia, with which Finland shares a 1,340-kilometre (830-mile) border, swiftly warned of “countermeasures”. By August 2023, Finland observed an influx of migrants entering through its eastern border without visas.