“Anyone can be a candidate regardless of background” – immigrant voices on Finnish elections
Both Helal and Mumin observed a positive attitude from Finnish voters towards candidates with immigrant backgrounds.
Binar Mustafa
Sercan Alkan
Published 17.04.2025 1:04
Updated 17.04.2025 3:36
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In the 2025 Finnish municipal elections, nearly 30,000 candidates vied for positions across the country. According to Statistics Finland, only 2.8% were foreigners, despite comprising 8.6% of the eligible voting population. As the final week of campaigning unfolded, we spoke with two immigrant candidates in Helsinki about their experiences: Fardoos Helal of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Mohamed Mumin of the Green Party.
The election week
Fardoos Helal
Fardoos Helal is from Syria and arrived in Finland in 2009. In Syria, she worked for the Ministry of Health and owned a beauty salon. Now a mother of three, she juggles multiple roles: working in the Vamos youth support service, studying at a university of applied sciences, and leading a choir. Helal is a candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“Politics can feel inaccessible to many immigrants, especially due to language barriers and a lack of familiarity with the system,” says Fardoos Helal.
“Many don’t trust politics—not because they don’t care, but because of negative experiences in their home countries.”
Helal’s motivation to run in the municipal elections stems from a desire to promote equality, cultural diversity, and well-being.
“In these elections, I also aim to encourage immigrant women to participate in politics,” she says.
These are the third elections in which Helal has participated. She has previously run in parliamentary elections and served as a deputy councilor in the last municipal term.
Helal appreciates Finland’s collaborative decision-making processes, grounded in research and shared responsibility.
This time Helal has primarily campaigned through social media and participated in community events, including Arabic-language discussions. The campaign has been low-budget and time-constrained, according to her.
“Work, studies, family, and volunteer commitments have all been demanding.”
Despite challenges, Helal says, she has received significant support from Finnish friends and voters who value her perspectives and campaign themes.
“I notice that I’m often seen primarily through the lens of immigrant issues, rather than as a broader societal actor,” Helal observes.
“I want to change that perception and demonstrate that immigrants can contribute to all areas of society.”
Mohdamed Mumin
Mohamed Mumin is from Somalia and has lived in Finland since the 1990s. He works in language services as a translator. His decision to run for office was driven by a desire to engage in societal participation. Although he considered joining the National Coalition Party, he ultimately chose the Green Party, despite not aligning with all of its views.
“I decided to run as an experiment,” Mohamed Mumin says.
The initiative to run for office was his own.
“I wanted to see what it’s like to be involved in elections and whether it’s a viable way to make a difference.”
This is Mumin’s first election, and campaigning was a new experience for him. He has set modest goals.
“If I could earn the trust of acquaintances and receive 30 votes, I’d be satisfied,” he shares.
Mumin’s campaign has been minimalistic. He is not using social media or distributing flyers, but is campaigning through personal contacts and has received support from friends and family.
While he hasn’t been politically active in Somalia, Mumin follows the political situation in the country. He recognizes the challenges of participation there compared to Finland. He views Finland’s political system as safe and stable, in contrast to many other countries.
“In Finland, you can participate in elections safely without fearing arrest or threats for your opinions,” Mumin says.
“Anyone can be a candidate regardless of background. Whether you’re an immigrant, woman, man, or represent any religion or culture, you can stand as a candidate.”
After the election night
Neither Fardoos Helal nor Mohamed Mumin secured a seat in the municipal elections. Helal garnered 280 votes, and Mumin received 17.
“Overall, the elections went well, and I’m satisfied with the experience,” Mumin reflects.
“I ran the campaign on a zero budget, without brochures or social media. Achieving over half of my vote target is quite good.”
Helal also feels positively about the elections, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in her, though she acknowledges there was room for improvement. She brings up the dual challenges faced by immigrant candidates.
“Many in the native population don’t believe an immigrant candidate can be a good decision-maker, and many immigrants don’t trust the electoral system. So, you have to work twice as hard to earn voters’ trust.”
Both candidates are proud to have supported their respective parties and intend to continue their societal engagement. However, they recognize the need for greater support in future endeavors.
“I plan to run again, aiming for hundreds of votes next time. That requires more support from various sources, especially from the party,” Mumin states.
Helal also plans to continue societal advocacy, possibly through future elections.
“But for that, a team is needed to assist with the campaign,” she says.
With the next parliamentary elections scheduled in two years, it remains to be seen whether the number of non-native Finnish speakers in Parliament will increase from the current count.
