Immigrants winning elections in a homogeneous country like Finland is not a piece of cake. Several factors must be implored for an immigrant to excel at the polls. During the municipal elections of 2021, there were quite a few candidates who made it to the municipal councils, with the Somalis leading the pack, while for others it was a jamboree. It was ridiculous to see people getting 6, 9, and 11 votes. The truth is that those who got such votes did what we call “Try your luck” but in election matters there nothing like that, you have to work hard and get your acts right.
The first county elections in Finland is around the corner and it’s another opportunity for those who didn’t made it to the municipal councils to become county councillors. Despite the fact that the county election is the lowest ranked elections in Finland, winning it still requires proper groundwork.
In this article, I’m going to unfold eight keys to winning election in Finland as an immigrant.
1. Political party
The political party you pitch your tent with matters a lot, though many immigrant voters and some who are standing for election don’t even know the core values of some apolitical parties in Finland. As an immigrant, it is unimaginable for you to belong to a party that is against the immigrants in the country. So when you want to run for political positions in the country you have to look for political party that aligns with your goal and vision. Joining a big party also helps most especially when you are a neophyte in politics.
2. Community Advantage
As a political candidate, your campaign begins from your community if you are unable to capture your community you will go nowhere. If you are having issues with members of your community, during election they will frustrate you by not voting for you and also discourage others from voting. Candidates from immigrant background also leverage on the population advantage of their community. E.g Somali candidates enjoys community advantage with their population which is close to 25,000
3. Be Active On Social Media
To win election as an Immigrant you need to have a social media presence. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc. Post regularly, make short videos about yourself. Make new friends on Facebook and follow important people in the community both on Facebook and Instagram. Don’t wait until election time for you to start liking or sharing peoples posts. If you have the habit of not liking or sharing peoples posts they will do same to you and it may affect you. When you are active on social media and also support people by sharing their posts or like them, they will reciprocate same gesture. Unknown voters have voted for candidates that they do not know just because one of their friends shared the candidates flyer on social media.
4. How Social Are You
Attending events, seminars, shows, gigs and networking are good ways for one to become popular in the community. It is also important for you to join unions or association of your interest. You are running for election and you are an introvert, it will be difficult for you to scale through. You need to have a fan base or a support group built on the friends you made from your social life.
5. Posters, Stickers and Flyers
Good posters, stickers and flyers will help you to reach out to a wider audience. Posters, flyers and stickers that appeals to many with a clear indication of what the candidate stands for and the voting areas will help the candidate in getting voters. During the municipal election, many candidate from immigrant background were unwilling to spend money on election materials. I wonder where they intended getting their votes from. Best way to campaign is to campaign with your election materials e.g sharing flyers to people, it requires money and time.
6. Support Group
Team work they say makes the dream work. You must have a support group to help you during campaigns. You can build your support group from your place of work or study. If you are unfriendly, proud and arrogant, nobody would want to support you and that is tantamount to failure. A good support group is the bedrock of a successful election.
7. Take your campaigns to places of worship and meeting venues of ethnic groups
Many immigrants are still bounded by religious affiliation. Take your campaigns to places of worship. Tell them that you are part of them (one of them) Also visit meeting venues of ethnic groups from different countries. These are areas where you can get votes that you never expected.
8. Your Manifesto
Why should people vote for you? You should be able to convince the electorates on why they should vote for you. Your areas of interest if elected should be clearly stated. During the municipal elections, It was ridiculous to read some of the Manifestoes of candidates from foreign backgrounds which engages what their political party stands for.
