A delegation of the Congress is undertaking a visit to Finland from 5 to 10 April 2017, to observe the local elections scheduled for 9 April. Headed by Congress Rapporteur Ms Lelia Hunziker (Switzerland, SOC), the delegation includes 23 participants from 18 Council of Europe Member States. Prior to Election Day, preparatory meetings are held on 6 and 7 April in Helsinki, with a particular focus on the current territorial reform and implications for the local elections on Sunday. For this purpose, the delegation will exchange views with the Director of the election administration of Ministry of Justice, Mr Arto Jääskeläinen, the Minister of Local Government and Public reforms, Ms Anu Vehviläinen, as well as the Mayor of Helsinki, M. Jussi Pajunen. On Election Day, 9 April, the Congress delegation will deploy 10 teams to observe voting in different regions of the country. A Press Conference will be held on Monday, 10 April 2017, at 11:00 to present the preliminary conclusions of the mission (venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Meeting room 1 – Mannerheimintie 50, 00260 Helsinki). 

Press release
Programme
Press invitation
Photo gallery (Flickr)