Two is still One

February 5th, 2012

Last Sunday Finland got a new president. It was expected that my favorite (check here who) didn't have great chances, but there was always space for hope. What came as a surprise, though, was the huge difference between Pekka and Sauli's votes. Sadly, it broke the record. That's something to be disappointed about, and the fact that less people voted comparing to the last election.

However, I realized after a while that we got over a million people to vote for our man, Pekka. Over a million people voted for tolerance and a brighter future.

A politician mentioned that he senses a much healthier atmosphere now in the country. This is not a defeat, only a step towards victory.

As I leave London soon, I think it will be the first time I feel proud of going back to Finland.

Kakkonen on Ykkönen

22.1.2012

So we're off to the second round on determing who will be Finland's next president. Luckily we have the two most strong candidates, including my personal favorite. It's my first time to be able to vote for the president, and I'm glad that the election still continues, we get to take the most out of this experience. But I must admit if my favorite wouldn't still be in the run, my level of interest would have gone down.

Yesterday we were at the Finnish Seamen's Church in London watching the election coverage live. I wasn't surprised of the amount of young people, but the cans of beer and cider yes! And you know when there are Finnish people around you is when you can 'feel the excitement'. People elsewhere would jump around and scream of any result they would hear, but the most you could get out of a Finn is perhaps a smirk on their face or a spark in their eyes.

Nevertheless I enjoyed my pulla.

Exciting times are ahead. Please go vote, and don't let anyone or any party make up your mind for you when you decide who's fit for president. The only ones who you should be listening to, are the two candidates.

I know who I'm voting for.

Today I felt so honored when he started to follow me on Twitter. And I don't care whether it was him personally or his team. By far one of the proudest moments online.

And thank you to everyone, who's been working hard for Haavisto during this campaign, including my friend Janne, who promised to save a Haavisto badge for me! Quoting now Janne's words: 'How can someone's sexual orientation determine how well are they able to run the country's foreign policy and be represented as their country's leader? In my opinion, it can't.' No wonder Janne is a very loved guy.

Now saying all this, you still can't say that all of those who won't vote for Haavisto are homophobic, red necks, people who don't want to take issues forward and so on. As Haavisto would say it, there should be respect for the competitors. Chance to discuss and equality for all.

Number two is number one - Kakkonen on Ykkönen