Finnish municipal elections increasingly rely on older, shrinking population

Finnish municipal elections are becoming more dependent on an older and dwindling pool of candidates and voters, according to a new report by municipal researchers analysing last spring’s elections in relation to historical trends.

The study, cited by national broadcaster Yle, reveals that voter turnout in local elections has been in long-term decline, dropping to just over 54 percent in the latest vote. Additionally, both candidates and those elected are older on average than in previous elections.

Researchers warn that the trend is deepening regional and social divisions in local democracy while amplifying the influence of older age groups in municipal decision-making.