Mandaatissa

Mandaatissa is a Finnish term meaning that someone currently holds a mandate or seat in a legislative or other elected body. The word derives from mandaatti (mandate), itself from French mandat and Latin mandatum, and is used with the postposition -issa to indicate state or location, i.e., “in a mandate” or “in office.”

The term is commonly applied to elected representatives such as members of parliament, ministers, municipal councillors, and other public office holders. In political reporting, biographies, and formal announcements, mandaatissa signals that the subject presently occupies their official position and has not left office, for example due to resignation, removal, or end of term.

Mandaatissa describes a status rather than a fixed duration. It often corresponds to the current term of office (toimikausi), which is defined by law, but a person may cease to be mandaatissa if they resign, are replaced, or their election is invalidated. Conversely, new elections or appointments can bring someone into mandaatissa status anew.

The expression is neutral and informational, without implying judgments about legitimacy or performance. It can refer to an individual or to a body as a whole during a legislative session or other period, e.g., “edustajat mandaatissa” or “mandaatissa oleva minister.” The term is applicable beyond national parliament to other elected bodies, such as municipal councils or European-level delegations, to denote an ongoing mandate.