presidentinvaalit

Presidential elections, or presidentinvaalit in Finnish, are the political process through which an eligible population selects the head of state in countries operating a presidential or semi-presidential system. The precise design varies by country, but elections usually occur at fixed intervals and are organized by an official election authority.

In many democracies, the president is elected either by direct popular vote or by an indirect method such as an electoral college or a parliamentary mechanism.

In direct systems, a candidate must win a specified majority, commonly over 50 percent. If no candidate reaches the threshold in the first round, a runoff or second round is held between the leading candidates. Indirect systems may elect the president via an electoral college or by decision of the legislature when no outright winner emerges.

Presidents typically serve a fixed term, often four, five, or six years, with varying limits on consecutive terms. Eligibility requirements commonly include age, citizenship, and residency criteria, while candidates are usually required to meet ethical and financial disclosure standards.

Campaigns are regulated for fairness, with rules on campaign financing, media access, and public funding in many jurisdictions. Balloting is conducted with secret ballots and independent observers may monitor processes to ensure integrity.

Because presidential power and the method of selection affect political systems in profound ways, presidential elections are frequently studied as a distinct category in comparative politics. They intersect with constitutional design, party systems, and historic political traditions.