Vaalitavalla

Vaalitavalla is a Finnish adverb derived from vaalitapa, the noun for a method or system of election or voting. The suffix -lla marks the adessive case, producing "vaalitavalla" meaning "in the electoral manner" or "by election." The term is chiefly used in formal, statutory, or administrative language to indicate that something is determined or conducted through voting, rather than by appointment, nomination, or other non-elective means.

In use, vaalitavalla typically appears in phrases describing how a body or position is filled or a decision is made. For example, "jäsenet valittiin vaalitavalla" translates to "the members were elected by vote." The expression can appear in legislative texts, constitutional provisions, or organizational statutes that specify whether a decision or appointment is the result of an electoral process.

Etymology and related terms: vaalitavalla is formed from vaalitapa (the method of election or voting) plus the adessive suffix -lla, and belongs to a family of terms such as vaalitapa and vaalitavat (plural). It is part of formal language often found in legal or administrative contexts. The term contrasts with expressions that indicate non-elective processes, such as nimittämällä (by appointment) or muilla ei-vaalilla ratkaistu, depending on the context.

See also: vaalitapa, äänestys, vaalit, valinta, nimitys.