surroundingäänestysoikeuden

Surroundingäänestysoikeuden is a Finnish legal term that translates to "right to a surrounding vote" or "right to be surrounded by a vote." This concept is primarily relevant in the context of shareholder meetings, particularly in public limited companies (osakeyhtiö).

It refers to the right of a shareholder, or a group of shareholders, to demand that a vote on a specific matter at a general meeting be conducted in a way that ensures all present shareholders have an opportunity to express their opinion, even if they are not the ones initiating the vote. This can involve mechanisms to prevent a small majority from steamrolling minority opinions or to ensure a thorough discussion before a decision is made.

The exact procedures and scope of surroundingäänestysoikeuden can vary depending on the company's articles of association and the relevant provisions of the Finnish Companies Act. It is a principle designed to uphold fairness and transparency in corporate governance, ensuring that the interests of all shareholders are considered. The aim is to foster a more inclusive decision-making process within companies.