Employees show diminishing interest in elections

Elections to the Finnish Parliament are due to take place in March 2007. A recent opinion poll suggests that employees are increasingly unsure of voting in the upcoming election. Only 52 per cent of employees who are eligible to vote expressed a firm intention of doing so. This finding is four percentage points lower than that of a corresponding survey conducted before the last parliamentary election four years ago.

On the other hand, the general level of voter participation in Finland appears to be increasing. 64 per cent of the Finnish electorate as a whole expressed a firm intention to vote for a parliamentary candidate. The corresponding figure ahead of the last parliamentary election was only 58 per cent.

Viewed by political conviction, the most enthusiastic support was enjoyed by the centre-right wing National Coalition Party. 84 per cent of this party&#;8217s supporters firmly intended to vote. 73 per cent of faithful supporters were certain to turn out for the Social Democratic Party, while 70 per cent of Finnish Centre Party and Green Party voters and 67 per cent of Left Alliance voters were similarly determined to have their say on polling day.

63 per cent of members of SAK trade unions were sure of voting next spring. By contrast, similar enthusiasm for the electoral process was expressed by more than 80 per cent of union members affiliated to the two other national labour confederations in Finland, the Finnish Confederation of Salaried Employees – STTK and the Confederation of Unions for Academic Professionals in Finland – AKAVA.

These indications of voter intention were the findings of a survey commissioned by SAK from the attitude research company TNS Gallup, which interviewed 962 Finnish citizens in late September and early October 2006.

SAK to campaign for a high turnout

SAK President Lauri Ihalainen says that the latest opinion poll findings are a challenge to work for improved voter participation. SAK will launch its usual campaign to inspire the electorate in the run-up to the election.

“We would like to actively encourage any members of trade unions affiliated to SAK who remain uncertain about voting to exercise their right to vote next March, and thereby to have a say in matters that are important to them personally.”

Lauri Ihalainen stresses that SAK’s campaign to mobilise voters is a worthy measure on the part of the organisation to strengthen democracy. He is also quick to point out that SAK has no wish to campaign for any particular party or even to offer an opinion on a desirable political composition for the next government.

“Obviously voters must make up their own minds on who to vote for. The business of forming the next government will then be a job for the various political parties.”

Government goals to be discussed at workplaces

SAK will take part in the debate on social issues leading up to the election through a programme that the organisation has prepared detailing policy objectives for the next government. The leaders of SAK and its affiliated trade unions are touring the country during the autumn and presenting these goals. Debates will take place at various venues including places of work.

“From the point of view of employees, the main issues facing the next government will be the rate of employment, employee security in business restructuring, and the quality of jobs,” Lauri Ihalainen explains.