Foreign Nationals and Municipal Elections in Finland

Electoral rights of foreign nationals in municipal elections of Finland

Right to vote

In municipal elections of Finland, entitled to vote are Finnish citizens who reach the age of 18 years on election day at the latest and reside in Finland. In addition, entitled to vote are: 

1) citizens of other EU Member States, Iceland and Norway residing in Finland, under the same conditions as Finnish citizens; and  

2) citizens of other states if they have resided continuously in Finland for at least two (2) years on the 51st day before election day when the voting register for municipal elections is established.

No one needs to separately register to be entered in the voting register for municipal elections. Instead, the Digital and Population Data Services Agency compiles the register by virtue of office, based on the information entered in the Finnish Population Information System for each individual.

Right to stand as a candidate

As a rule, every person entitled to vote in municipal elections is also eligible to stand as a candidate in municipal elections. However, persons who have been declared legally incompetent by a court decision and persons who perform certain tasks related to municipalities referred to in section 72 of the Local Government Act are not eligible to stand as candidates in municipal elections. 

Candidates may be nominated by (a) political parties and (b) constituency associations. To become a candidate of a political party, the person must agree on this with the party in question. To become a candidate of a constituency association, the person must collect the signatures of at least ten (10) persons entitled to vote in the municipality in question in support of his or her candidacy. Further information on the nomination of candidates is provided by:

• registered political parties, and
• central municipal election boards, if the question concerns the establishment of a constituency association.

The above extract from the website of the Finnish electoral commission said it all regarding the rights of residents of foreign nationalities in Finland to vote and be voted for in Municipal elections. 

But the pertinent question to ask is, are the foreign nationals effectively utilizing these rights?

In this article, we will feature some candidates of foreign backgrounds and from different political parties to find out what their manifestos sound like, and also know what other things they have in mind to offer. 

Christian Thibault is a European of German extraction, from Bonn, to be precise

• 
   Why I want to serve the people: I believe that we need to do a lot of work for and as a society and that so far democracy is the best form to do it. Democracy needs active participants and as such, I am ready to serve.  

• What I think about diverse participation in local politics: It is very important that the diversity of a municipality's citizens is represented on every level of decision-making. In this, we have to remember that immigrants are not one homogenous group, but rather consist of multiple backgrounds and generations.

• 

Habiba Ali is a young mother of Somalian extraction.

I am a young municipal councilor from Espoo, the Church Aid Aid Program Coordinator and mother of the family. As a person, I am brave, honest, and humane. I am very people-oriented and get along with different types. It has therefore been natural that in my working life I have ended up in positions where I have worked as a bridge-builder between communities. I enjoy meeting people and working together, it’s a strength that supports me.

Despite my young age, I have been involved in politics for more than 15 years. I was elected to the Espoo Youth Council at the age of 14. Since then, I have worked in various organizations and municipalities in both work and trust positions. The red thread in all my activities is the desire to see an equal, diverse, and secure society around me. A society where no one is left out and everyone would treat each other equally as human beings without any additional attributes or confrontation. I want to continue this work in the Council

John Opoku Aduajei is a young father of Ghanaian extraction

I encourage all those living in Helsinki who are eligible to vote; to vote for the Sustainable Entrepreneurship vision. Vote for better lives for all Immigrants in our city.

Your vote matters and it's respected to make a huge difference. 

Kindly take your valid ID to the nearest Posti or supermarket and vote for John Opoku Aduadjei (955). 

Also from the voting notice you received from Maistratti, there are listed in it the places closer to you where you can vote as well.

We're counting on your priceless vote to make a difference in our Municipality.

 #Vote955

#SustainableEntrepreneurship

#betterlives4immigrants 

Eligible persons of foreign background are hereby encouraged to use their votes to bring in those they believe will represent their interests, for this is the essence of democracy. 

You cannot sit back and murmur your complaints when things do not favor your interest. The time to act is now. USE YOUR VOTING RIGHT do not waste those papers you got from the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.

CAST YOUR VOTES NOW!

Ike Ude-Chime is a freelance journalist and a member 

of the European Journalists Network EJN

 

WNBA Draft Pick, Awak Kuier, The Latest Sensation in Finnish Women Basketball

I call her the Humble Gazelle of Finnish Basketball.

With a height of 194cm and a sleek body, she practically dominates the court, gliding around smoothly, and making baskets with ease, and she dunks real hard. 

This gentle young girl born of a former refugee family made history recently as the first Finnish female Basketball player to be drafted into the WNBA. It did not come to me or anyone who followed her career closely as a surprise.

She was my daughter’s close friend and teammate when they were in the under 16 girl’s national team and had a couple of sleepovers at the house, which offered me the opportunity to observe her at close range.

She has a very natural dignified personality, quite easy-going; a young girl who knew where she was heading, coupled with the determination to get there.

Who is Awak Kuier

She is of South Sudanese origin and was born in Cairo.

Her parents moved to Finland in search of refuge due to the hostilities that pervaded Sudan at the time.

She was only two years old when the came to Finland.

She attended Karhula High school and Makelanrinne Upper Secondary School respectively.

Awak’s success so far has shown that any child, his or her background notwithstanding, when exposed to the available opportunities, and without boundaries, will definitely make progress.

Her success will serve as a motivation for every girl child, especially those of the minority communities in Finland.

We give Kudos to the Finnish Basketball Association and also her former coaches and clubs for their fantastic role in building her carrier, for, without their positive actions, this big step in her carrier, and in the Finnish Women Basketball history wouldn’t have happened.

Let us not also forget her parents who stood for her, and who did not allow cultural and traditional differences to become a stumbling factor in her quest to pursue her dreams.

To us at the Liikkukaa Sports4All organization, successes like this strengthen our purpose, giving us more turbo to push and work tirelessly on the issue of promoting Social Inclusion through Sports, in furtherance of our vested interest in building a society where everyone will have equal opportunity to develop their God-given talent and skills.

Ike Ude-Chime is a freelance journalist and a member of

the Finnish chapter of the European Journalist Network

POETRIVISION: 'AUTOCHTHONOUS' -Visual Poetry by ike chime

The earliest autochthons of the earth lived in Africa and it was from there humans dispersed to other parts of the world. In this visual poem, Ike Chime tries to pip into the mind of the descendants of these forebearers, the way they would react to the present world we occupy today, the way they would assert their autochthonousness being direct descendants of the earliest inhabitants of our world.
"I am the son of the earth, I sprouted from the belly of the earth, I am autochthonous....."

Flavour, iconic Nigerian entertainer coming to Finland for the first time

The iconic Nigerian entertainer, singer, songwriter, and multi/instrumentalist FLAVOUR, who is also the current undisputable 'King of Highlife' will set his foot for the first time in Helsinki Finland.

The date is 15th June 2018. The venue, Teatteri Forum.

The artiste in brief
Real name, Chinedu Izuchukwu Okoli, otherwise known as FLAVOUR N'ABANIA, or simply FAVOUR.
He was born in Enugu on November 23, 1983, and it was in the same city he started his early romance with music at his local church as a drummer. Through the help of his local pastor after noticing his talent, he was sent to study music at a new institute established by a renowned musician and educator, Chris Ordor. It was at this institute, the Sound City Communications that Flavour learned to play other instruments, including the keyboard.
After the training, Flavour had exposures playing local gigs with some bands and also doing solo acts at outdoor Bar/Restaurants in Enugu and the positive reactions from the crowd at these venues encouraged him to push on.
In 2005 he released his first Album, N'abania which became a huge success. This was followed by Uplifted, and much more. From this point, Flavour became unstoppable as he went on to establish himself as a major superstar in Nigeria, and Africa in general.

Discography

Baby Na Yoka

Ijele - The Traveler · 2017

Most High

Ijele - The Traveler · 2017

Ada Ada

Blessed · 2012

View 25+ more

Massive Protest Against Racism in Finland

The event was opened with a sing song and speech by the Chairman of 'Sports fo All' Finland, Ike Chime

The 28th of July will remain a date that will be always remembered in the annals of protest movement, especially against racism in Finland.
It is not an easy achievement to gather up to 20,000 people in one place just within two days of planning.

The whole drama was sparked by a Facebook statement by a member of parliament of the extreme right party 'The Finns' party know for its strong stand against migration in Finland. In his statement, this parliamentarian.  Olli Immonen wrote,
"I am dreaming of a stron brave nation that will defeat this nightmare called multiculturalism. This ugly bubble that our enemies live in, will soon enough burst into a million little pieces" he wrote last Saturday.

"I have strong believe in my fellow fighter, (he continued) We will fight until the end for our homeland and one true Finnish nation. The victory will be ours."

Many Finns, including former president, Tarja Ahonen, and Prime Minister Juha Sipiala of the Central Party condemned Immonen's statement as unacceptable.

The protest rally featured many prominent speakers, and there were music performances by prominent artistes.

Many organizations and individuals were responsible for making the protest possible, and there were also other protests on the same theme taking place simultaneously in other big cities of Finland like Tampere, and Turku.
The protest was covered live by both Radio Helsinki, and the national television.

A cross section of the 20000 strong crowd at the event

A Date with Nigerian-American Iconic Photographer, Chi Modu in Kallio Helsinki

Chi Modu with Ike Chime

I got a text message from my good friend Matti Hiikari a.k.a. 
Paleface, renowned Finnish rapper cum activist and it read 
“Ike I got a friend visiting from New York, he is a photographer, Ibo born in Nigeria during the Biafran war. I want to introduce you two.”

I noticed there was no name on it, just a photographer.

Knowing Paleface for who he is, both as an individual, and as an artist/activist, I was convinced that there was more to this than just an invitation to meet an Igbo-Nigerian brother photographer from NYC.

I wrote back telling him it will be a great idea, and that he should just let me know when and where.

A few day later I got another text from him which went like “When are you available today? Chi Modu will hold a little event in Kallio at Rupla at 7pm. Can you make it?”

Chi Modu in a reflective mood

Typical Paleface, a man of the moment.

Chi Modu? That must be the photographer’s name I thought, and as much as I tried, the name did not connect so I dived into the cyber world and lo, so much information jumped upon my face that made me wow!

Arriving at the Rupla at about 2 mins after 7pm, the house was almost full and by the nature of activities going on around the place, it was clear to me that the event was just at the nick of taking off. I found a space on the second row in the front and sat down. In a couple of minutes a side door opened and I saw my Paleface step out, followed by a black guy with dreadlocks dressed in working mans khaki outfit, pants and tops, the same face I saw online. With a big smile, Paleface greeted me and quickly turned to Chi and introduced me, we shook hands briefly and he said to me that Paleface told him a lot about me.

We smiled at each other as there was no time for pleasantries, the show must start, and I couldn’t wait to hear this brother tell hi/story verbally, and photographically.

When Chi Modu started addressing the audience after a very wonderful introduction by Paleface, he held everyone in a spell right from his first word and through the almost two hours session, or more as I lost sense of time sitting there. I immediately saw the Igbo/Nigerian in him. In the Nigerian lingo, there is what we call ‘Jisting’ and a good ‘Jistter’ will simply take you by hand and lead you through his story every inch at a time. Chi got that Jistter instinct in him.

It was like a roller coaster ride back in time. The late 1980s through the 1990s were rolled out on our faces as he crisscrossed the states, New York City, LA, NJ, indeed all the key states and cities connected to the activities of the early hip hop, rap music era. With his camera crew he flew across states doing what he knew best, making photo documentaries.

Chi was born in Nigeria, and around the time the defunct nation of Biafra tried to secede from Nigeria in the 60s, leading to a civil war, the Biafra war. At this time, his father was a mathematics doctorate student in the US. He somehow managed to facilitate airlifting his family to safety in the United States. This was how three years old Chi Modu found himself in America.

Chi book signing at the Helsinki event

Born in Nigeria, raised in the USA, New Jersey to be precise, Chi’s parents returned back to Nigeria but he chose as a youngster to stay back, enrolled into a boarding school, the Lawrenceville boarding school, a prestigious boarding school attended by the likes of Michael Eisner, and Malcolm Forbes.

Being alone in the US helped him to develop a strong independent streak which later will manifest itself in his work.

For his university education, Chi attended Rutgers University, and that was where he picked up a camera for the first time. 

He was later to improve his skills at the International Centre of Photography, and after which he landed a job with ‘The Source’ which was to become the definitive magazine of hip hop culture. It was during his days with The Source that he developed a relationship with the artists who were later to become the biggest icons of the hip hop movement.

Now back to the event at the Rupla. I must confess that my knowledge of the Hip Hop world is borderline. I have an idea of some of the big names but have not followed the developmental history of the genre. During my broadcasting years with the legendary Radio City Helsinki in the 90s, when hip hop was surging, I was more immersed in the world music genre as my mission was to give more exposure to life outside Finland, especially life in Africa through music to my Finnish audience. In so doing, I did not focus much on Hip-Hop during its early years. Listening to a person that lived through it in the person of Chi Modu kind of gave me an in-depth knowledge of the formative years of the early big names of the genre. Amazingly it took just some hours of narration by Chi to achieve this, well, in the words of George Kannan, “History is not what happened; History is what it felt like to be there when it happened”

Paleface with Chi during the event

Chi Modu told us about his personal encounter with some youths who were to later rule the world through Hip-Hop music. The long list included Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Snoop, Easy E, Method Man, Ghetto Boys, Q-Tip, Dr Dre, Ice Cube Mary B Blige, and L-L Cool J.

One thing that was significant in those early days according to Chi was that these youths involved in hip hop were also involved in gangster activities, and this made it a tough job for someone like him who did not grow up in the hood to mingle and do business with them. Hear him ---

“I will be frank with you all, I didn’t grow up in the hood, I grew up fairly comfortable, you know, but the beauty of how I grew up is that it taught me how to stay involved without upsetting people so I was comfortable moving around in the hood because the rules ain’t that different if you respect people, they will respect you back" 

Chi Modu at a point in his career as the photo editor of The Source had to also operate in the West Coast at a time when there were a lot of guns, a lot of tension, a lot of aggression building between New York and the West coast, he explained how it felt thus -

“Well, the way I explain it to people is that, not unlike rock n roll, right, like where drugs were taking these guys out at a very young stage of their lives, alright, but with rappers, it was a bit of violence but it was really reckless living that consumes the youth, and once you move out of those years, you start becoming a little more careful, you know , you wanna live, so when you see the chaos in teenagers, it is always teenagers of twenty-something years old, you hardly see chaos in thirty-something or forty something-year-old's, so what you hope for is for the person to grow up to cherish his life and the life of others”.

There is this shot where Snoop was pointing a gun at Chi which he took in 1993 long before, Chi ended up shooting the cover picture for Snoop’s first album Doggy Style.

How did Chi react to that?

“If there is a gun on my set, I make sure to take it, clean it myself, and pluck the trigger and hand it over to them, and a lot of times doing that, I did it to make sure there were no accidents. You cannot tell him not to have the guns because in the streets of LA he’ll need it. I know it is a wired thing for people to understand but, the streets were really very dangerous....I was pretty fortunate that in chaos I can be really calm...”

In addition to his impressive collection of hip hop photos, Chi traveled far and wide shooting images of the lifestyle of people of various cultures be it kids is a church in Nigeria, fishermen in Morocco, market women in Myanmar, or swimmers in Lombok, Indonesia. Apart from this event in Helsinki, there has been an exhibition of Chim Modu’s work in 2014 at the Pori Arts Museum.

Some of Chi Modu's exhibited at the Pori Museum of Arts under the title 'UNCATEGORIZED'

Tupac Shakur - Atlanta GA 1994

Notorious B.I.G. - New York City 1996

Snoop Doggy Dog - Los Angeles, CA 1993

School Kids - Arondizuogu Nigeria 1994

Young Buddhist Monks - Yangon, Myanmar 2013

Mother and Daughter- Sanaa, Yamen 2008

Mother and child sleeping on the ferry - Yangon Myanmar 2013

All pictures courtesy of Chi Modu

For more information about the artist, check the following links

http://uncategorized.com/

https://instagram.com/chimodu/?hl=en

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Chimodu

http://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/a1437534891466

http://www.boweryboogie.com/2013/08/photographer-chi-modu-brings-life-size-images-to-street-with-uncategorized/

Nigeria's Pioneer Afrobeat/Soul/Funk/ Hilife exponent, Orlando Julius Debuts at the Helsinki World Village Festival

Orlando Julius Ekemode (from back cover of the festival's magazine)

Finland's apex annual multicultural event 'The World Village Festival' for this 2015 will be kicking off next weekend 23.-24.5. The focus for this year is Africa and the Middle East.

AfrobeatFinland will be bringing you coverages from the event, we will bring you interviews like one with one the pioneers of Afrobeat and a standing guru of Afro-pop, Orlando Julius Ekemode, yes you heard right, Orlando Julius is one of the major features of this year's festival.

Other African acts expected are the Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, Aziza Brahaim of Western Sahara, Guinea's Ba Cissoko, and many others.

So you be on the watch out!

Orlando Julius Ekemode

The biography of Orlando Julius reads like a kaleidoscope of who is who in the mainstream Nigerian and international music scene. 

He is one man who met and collaborated with an enviable list of top notch artists from around the globe, some include:

• Ademola hasstrup
• Eddie Okonta
• IK Dairo
• Fela Kuti
• Hugh Masekela
• Ray Charles
• BB King
• Temptations
• Smokey Robinson
• Ohio Players Sun Ra
• Miles Davis etc, etc.

follow this link to find out more........ 

Orlando Julius contributed in penning the making of the 1970s international disco hit 'Going Back to My Roots'  one of the biggest disco hits of all time with Lamont Dozier, but unfortunately, they failed to give him his rightful credit for his contribution. Hear him...

           Orlando Julius & the Heliocentrics doing his1960s hit single 'Jagua Nana' at Banlieues Blues Fest Paris in April 2013

See ya at the festival