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Finland’s Halonen Outranks Rivals in Qualities
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many voters in Finland hold positive feelings toward incumbent president Tarja Halonen, according to a poll by Gallup published in Helsingin Sanomat. 63 per cent of respondents think the Social Democratic Party (SDP) member is humane and understands the life of common people.
Only 30 per cent of respondents feel the same way about current prime minister Matti Vanhanen of the Finnish Centre Party (KESK), and 11 per cent expres the same feelings about presidential candidate Sauli Niinisto of the National Rally (KOK).
Halonen, Vanhanen and Niinisto are considered as the main contenders in the presidential election, scheduled for Jan. 15, 2005. Other candidates include current parliamentarian Heidi Hautala of the environmentalist Green League (VIHR), Bjarne Kallis of the Christian-Democrats (KD), Timo Soini of True Finns (PERUSS) and Henrik Lax of the Swedish People's Party (RKP).
In other categories, 55 per cent of respondents said both Halonen and Niinisto are good performers, while 35 per cent say the same about Vanhanen. As far as withstanding pressure, Halonen has a double-digit lead over her two main rivals.
Halonen won the 2000 ballot in a run-off over the KESK's Esko Aho. In accordance with the 2000 constitution, Finland's president is responsible for the country's foreign policy along with the cabinet.
Polling Data
Do you think the following qualities apply to the presidential candidates?
(Positive responses only)
Halonen | Niinisto | Vanhanen | |
Humane with an understanding | 63% | 11% | 30% |
Good performer and ready to speak | 55% | 55% | 35% |
Capable of withstanding pressure | 47% | 36% | 34% |
Source: Suomen Gallup / Helsingin Sanomat
Methodology: Interviews with 1,233 adult Finns, conducted from Oct. 14 to Oct. 19, 2005. Margin of error is 2 per cent.