High Level of Trust in Finnish Local Elections, Says Congress Delegation

Strasbourg, France – April 14, 2025

A 19-member election observation delegation from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities concluded its mission observing the municipal and county elections in Finland, held on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Led by Gobnait Ni Mhuimneacain from Ireland, the delegation visited approximately 110 randomly selected polling stations across the country to monitor the election process from start to finish.

Election Day Observations

On election day, Congress teams were deployed at polling stations, monitoring operations throughout the day until the counting commenced. The delegation's activities began with preparatory meetings on April 11 and 12, where they engaged with key stakeholders, including election officials, representatives from the media, and various non-governmental organizations. Discussion also included conversations with political parties and candidates participating in the elections.

The observation team noted that the election day unfolded smoothly, characterized as calm and transparent, adhering to European electoral standards. The delegation praised the professionalism and efficiency observed in the management of polling stations and highlighted the inclusiveness of the electoral process. Gobnait Ni Mhuimneacain commented on the high accessibility for all residents, including non-Finnish citizens and those with disabilities. She specifically commended the advanced voting procedures, which expanded voting opportunities and supported the active participation of the electorate.

Areas for Improvement

While the elections were deemed successful, the delegation did identify opportunities for enhancement. They suggested that polling station commissioners undergo systematic and compulsory training to further standardize electoral procedures. Additionally, they recommended more uniform practices regarding ballot boxes and improved information dissemination on voting procedures to help reduce invalid ballots.

The delegation also highlighted some voter confusion regarding the role of well-being services counties in the election process. They urged national authorities to address these uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of effective communication to help candidates and voters better understand the electoral landscape.

Campaign Observations

The election campaign was described as competitive, personalized, and respectful. However, the delegation noted incidents of vandalized campaign posters and remarked that national and international issues somewhat overshadowed local campaign discussions. They observed that local and regional media played a crucial role in providing fair and balanced information to voters.

Another concern raised by the delegation was the transparency of campaign financing. Current practices permit voluntary financial reporting, resulting in only 20% of municipal candidates disclosing their funding sources before the election. The team recommended making financial reporting mandatory to ensure voters have access to crucial information for making informed decisions.

Commitment to Local Democracy

Overall, the delegation expressed satisfaction with the high level of engagement in local democracy exhibited during the elections. They were particularly impressed by the significant number of women candidates, bringing Finland closer to gender parity, a goal that the Council of Europe encourages all member states to strive for.

In line with their findings, the Congress plans to discuss a draft recommendation at its next session in October 2025, addressing the observations made during this election monitoring mission.

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, based in Strasbourg, France, has conducted approximately 120 election observation missions since 1990, reinforcing its commitment to promoting the integrity of elections and fostering confidence among constituents at the local level.