Voters in Finland are choosing Sunday between two veteran politicians to be their next president - former prime minister Alexander Stubb and former foreign minister Pekka Haavisto, in a run-off election for the presidency after no candidate secured sufficient votes in the first round two weeks ago.Stubb, a conservative, and Haavisto of the Greens garnered the most votes of the nine candidates in the first round. Stubb got 27.2% of the vote, while Haavisto got 25.8%.The victor will take office at the beginning of March, succeeding President Sauli Niinist who has completed two six-year terms and is not permitted to stand again.The Finnish president is elected directly and holds significant powers in foreign and security policy, apart from their ceremonial role. (QNA)
February 11, 2024 | 02:18 PM