Finland Times

 

Keskusta secretary Timo Laaninen. File Photo Lehtikuva.

The lead of the Suomen Keskusta (Centre Party) in the polls has also been reflected in the number of candidates who want to contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19.

 

The party’s secretary, Timo Laaninen, said the number of people willing to vie on the Centre Party’s ticket has substantially increased.

 

“There are many candidates in Helsinki and Uusimaa who have never before involved with the activities of the Centre Party,” said Laaninen.

 

Laaninen also revealed that a number of former lawmakers have also expressed desire to contest the upcoming polls with Centre Party tickets.

 

The list of candidates for the four largest parties in the country is nearly full. There are few vacant places left to be filled in the Centre Party’s list of candidates, and similarly, the Suomen Sosialidemokraattinen Puolue (Social Democratic Party of Finland) seats are only available in few constituencies.

 

The Perussuomalaiset (Finns Party) has less than 10 places remaining to be filled and the Kansallinen Kokoomus (National Coaltition Party) has more than 10 slots open.

 

“In Uusimaa, we lack people in the agricultural sector. In Pirkanmaa, women have clearly a weaker representation,” said Riikka Slunga-Poutsalo, secretary of the Finns Party.

 

Slunga-Poutsalo said the process of seeking candidates has been much easier than four years ago.

 

The candidates are also familiar and they already have experience in, for example, municipal council work.

 

The major parties said the remaining names of candidates are already known to them and no further reinforcements will be sought.