Vaaleissa

Vaaleissa is a Finnish word meaning "in the elections." It is the inessive plural form of the noun vaalit, which denotes elections as events. The term is used to situate actions, statements, and outcomes within the context of electoral processes. In journalism and political discussion, vaaleissa often appears when talking about campaigns, participation, results, and public opinion during an election period.

Grammar and usage: The base word is vaalit (elections). The inessive plural form vaaleissa indicates location or context during elections. Related forms include vaalit (nominative plural), vaalien (genitive, "of elections"), and vaaleihin (illative, "into the elections"). The singular form vaali exists but is uncommon in everyday language; most references use the plural vaalit and its inflected forms. Examples: "Ehdokkaat kampanjoivat ahkerasti vaaleissa." "Kansalaiset osallistuivat vaaleissa ja äänestivät." "Voitto julistettiin vaaleissa."

Usage notes: Vaaleissa is commonly used to discuss campaigns, turnout, party performance, and results within a specific election period. It helps frame statements as being part of the electoral process rather than outside it. The form contrasts with vaaleihin, which would indicate movement toward the elections (for example, voting or entering the elections as a candidate). In formal reporting, phrases like "vaaleissa vuonna 20xx" or "vaaleissa pidetään" are typical for situating events in time and context.

See also: vaalit, vaalilainsäädäntö, äänestäminen, vaalijärjestelmä.