Vaaliryhmä

Vaaliryhmä, typically translated as electoral group, is a term used in Finnish municipal and regional governance to describe a group of elected representatives who run together under a common list or platform and decide to act as a coordinated unit in the council. The group is not a formal political party, but a working caucus that can include members from the same party list, allied independents, or members who joined together after the election. The primary purpose is to coordinate policy positions, budget requests, and committee assignments, and to present a common line in debates and negotiations with other groups.

Formation and operation: Vaaliryhmä is usually established after elections or when members decide to collaborate; its internal rules are determined by the group and must align with the municipality's rules of procedure. A chairperson or spokesperson typically leads the group and communicates with the council, administration, and public. The group may appoint subcommittees, coordinate statements to the media, and manage its own funds for operation, in accordance with local regulations.

Relation to parties and coalitions: While often aligned with a political party, a vaaliryhmä remains distinct from a formal party and can include members who were elected on different lists but share a policy platform. In coalition-building, the size and strength of vaaliryhmät influence the distribution of committee chairs and majorities on boards; negotiations with other groups determine coalitions or opposition status.

Legal status: The concept and practice vary by municipality; some jurisdictions treat vaaliryhmä as a formal group required to report its activities to the council, while others treat it as a voluntary arrangement. See also vaaliliitto and valtuustoryhmä as related concepts in Finnish local governance.