Finland’s polls closed at 20:00, revealing Alexander Stubb leading with 28.3%, followed by Pekka Haavisto at 25.8% in the advance votes for the presidential election, as announced by public broadcaster Yle. Nearly half, 44.5%, of eligible voters participated in advance voting. Jussi Hala-aho of the far-right Finns party secured 16.1%, with expectations of potentially entering the run-off’s second round. The president’s role, though limited in powers, holds significance in directing foreign policy amid Europe’s evolving geopolitical landscape. The top contenders are former conservative prime minister Alexander Stubb and former foreign minister Pekka Haavisto. With Finland’s shift toward NATO in 2023, strained relations with Russia, sharing a 1,340 km border, remain a crucial concern for the winner.