Constitution of the Republic of Finland (1999, as amended 2011) (excerpts related to elections) (English)
The Constitution of Finland
11 June 1999
(731/1999, amendments up to 1112 / 2011 included)
[...]
Section 14 - Electoral and participatory rights
Every Finnish citizen who has reached eighteen years of age has the right to vote in national elections and
referendums. Specific provisions in this Constitution shall govern the eligibility to stand for office in national
elections.
Every Finnish citizen and every other citizen of the European Union resident in Finland, having attained eighteen years of
age, has the right to vote in the European Parliamentary elections, as provided by an Act. (1112/2011, entry into force
1.3.2012).
Every Finnish citizen and every foreigner permanently resident in Finland, having attained eighteen years of age, has
the right to vote in municipal elections and municipal referendums, as provided by an Act. Provisions on the right to
otherwise participate in municipal government are laid down by an Act.
The public authorities shall promote the opportunities for the individual to participate in societal activity and to
influence the decisions that concern him or her.
Chapter 3 - The Parliament and the Representatives
Section 24 - Composition and term of the Parliament
The Parliament is unicameral. It consists of two hundred Representatives, who are elected for a term of four years at a
time.
The term of the Parliament begins when the results of the parliamentary elections have been confirmed and lasts until
the next parliamentary elections have been held.
Section 25 - Parliamentary elections
The Representatives shall be elected by a direct, proportional and secret vote. Every citizen who has the right to vote
has equal suffrage in the elections.
For the parliamentary elections, the country shall be divided, on the basis of the number of Finnish citizens, into at
least twelve and at most eighteen constituencies. In addition, the Åland Islands shall form their own constituency for
the election of one Representative.
The right to nominate candidates in parliamentary elections belongs to registered political parties and, as provided by
an Act, to groups of persons who have the right to vote.
More detailed provisions on the timing of parliamentary elections, the nomination of candidates, the conduct of the
elections and the constituencies are laid down by an Act.
Section 26 - Extraordinary parliamentary elections
The President of the Republic, in response to a reasoned proposal by the Prime Minister, and after having heard the
parliamentary groups, and while the Parliament is in session, may order that extraordinary parliamentary elections
shall be held. Thereafter, the Parliament shall decide the time when it concludes its work before the elections.
After extraordinary parliamentary elections, the Parliament shall convene in session on the first day of the calendar
month that begins ninety days after the election order, unless the Parliament has decided on an earlier date of
convocation.
Section 27 - Eligibility and qualifications for the office of Representative
Everyone with the right to vote and who is not under guardianship can be a candidate in parliamentary elections.
A person holding military office cannot, however, be elected as a Representative.
The Chancellor of Justice of the Government, the Parliamentary Ombudsman, a Justice of the Supreme Court or the
Supreme Administrative Court, and the Prosecutor-General cannot serve as representatives. If a Representative is
elected President of the Republic or appointed or elected to one of the aforesaid offices, he or she shall cease to be a
Representative from the date of appointment or election. The office of a Representative shall cease also if the
Representative forfeits his or her eligibility.
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Chapter 5 - The President of the Republic and the Government
Section 54 - Election of the President of the Republic
The President of the Republic is elected by a direct vote for a term of six years. The President shall be a native-born
Finnish citizen. The same person may be elected President for no more than two consecutive terms of office.
The candidate who receives more than half of the votes cast in the election shall be elected President. If none of the
candidates has received a majority of the votes cast, a new election shall be held between the two candidates who
have received most votes. In the new election, the candidate receiving the most votes is elected President. If only
one presidential candidate has been nominated, he or she is appointed President without an election.
The right to nominate a candidate in the election for President is held by any registered political party from whose
candidate list at least one Representative was elected to the Parliament in the most recent parliamentary elections, as
well as by any group of twenty thousand persons who have the right to vote. The time of the election and the
procedure in the election of a President are laid down by an Act.
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