Elections for the Representative Council

METKA organizes the election of the Representative Council annually. In the election, 25 student union members and a maximum of 25 deputy members will be selected for the Representative Council. Read more about the council’s tasks.

The next elections are held on October 31st to November 8th 2023.

Who uses power in the student union?

The METKA Representative Council wields the highest decision-making power in the student union. It consists of 25 representatives and 25 deputy representatives elected annually. The members of the student union are eligible to vote. The Representative Council makes decisions about economic and strategic plans as well as the operational plan, which is executed by the board of METKA.

The METKA Board is elected for a one year term by the Representative Council. Their job is to execute the decisions of the Representative Council and report to the council about the work done regarding the operational plan, financial matters and strategic execution.

METKA has also hired specialists to help the Representative Council and the board of METKA.

Election announcement

Forms

Become a candidate

How to become a candidate?

To become a candidate, one must choose if they want to be independent or join an electoral coalition formed by at least two (2) or more candidates. Being part of an electoral coalition increases one’s chances of being elected as we use the proportional representation method in the election. Thus, all the electoral coalition votes are added together, and a ratio is formed for the candidates.

In addition, electoral coalitions or independent candidates can form an electoral ring, increasing the chances of small and independent candidates against more powerful coalitions—further information about the electoral coalitions and rings here.

Follow these instructions:

1. Decide to become a candidate in the election
2. Decide whether one wishes to be an independent candidate or part of an electoral coalition
2.1 If one chooses to be part of an electoral coalition, contact a coalition election representative of one choice
2.2 If one wishes to be independent, fill out the election candidacy form
3. Start a campaign and win the election!

NOTICE! The election committee updates the election website of all the election coalitions and their representatives’ contact information if these lists so wish. This will ease the connections between potential candidates and electoral coalitions. It is also a good idea to ask the student organisations on one’s campuses or degree programs if they have coalitions for the election. There are also some political parties in the election, so one might want to ask their local political organisations if they have coalitions.

What does it mean to be in the Representative Council?

METKA’s Representative Council is a legal element that uses the highest authority in the student union. It consists of 25 representatives and 25 vice representatives, who are elected through an election where all the members of METKA can vote for the candidates. The purpose of the Representative Council is to make strategic, financial and operational decisions that guide the student union’s daily work and make decisions on relevant matters like the combination of the student union board, significant investments and changes in the views of the student union.

Acting as a representative is not a full-time job. The Representative Council gathers for meetings about once every two months, excluding the summer period, so there will be around five to seven meetings during one year. The meetings generally last about two hours and are organised during the evenings on one of Metropolia’s campuses. The most important job of the representatives is to keep up with the current issues of the student union and prepare themselves well for the meetings, possibly with other people in the representatives’ election coalition, so that the views of the coalition are unanimous.

One should not be afraid to become a candidate and work as a representative! It is the perfect way to get experiences and increase one’s knowledge about the Finnish organisation sector and indeed influence the activities and operations of the student union on a very concrete level – in the Representative Council. They decide what METKA does and where it spends its resources and power granted to it by the students!

The term is one calendar year long, and the next one starts on 1.1.2024 and ends on 31.12.2024.

Voting

Right to vote

All the actual members of the student union that have paid their member fee are eligible to vote in the elections. Every voter has one (1) vote to use. The vote can only be used personally. The secrecy of the ballot is upheld in the elections.

How to vote

Elections are held electronically.

Counting the votes

The election results are based on proportional representation. A candidate outside of electoral coalitions and / or electoral rings has a comparative index equal to the number of votes the candidate receives. Candidates in an electoral coalitions and rings are arranged inside the coalition or ring based on the number of votes they received. If two or more candidates get the same amount of votes, the order is based on lottery drawn by the election committee. The first candidate in the electoral coalition or ring gets all the votes of the list, the second gets 1/2 of the votes, the third 1/3 and so forth.

In the end all the candidates are arranged in an order based on their final comparative indexes. If two or more candidates within an electoral coalition have the same comparative index, a lottery will be held to determine the order. If independent candidates have the same comparative index, a lottery will be held. Candidates are chosen as representatives based on their comparative indexes and as many as there are places in the Representative Council will be elected. In addition, vice representatives will be elected from those candidates that did not become representatives.

Candidates

2 Teemu Kokkonen

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Automotive Engineering
Slogan: Driving you to future
Introduction: Hey! I am Teemu and I am a 4th year automotive engineering student. At the moment, I am in charge of UIO’s advocacy – I have been in the Representative Council for three seasons and last year I was the Chairperson of METKA’s Representative Council. I feel that I still have things I would like to promote and I would like to see that next season we can make the Representative Council a more visible “normal” student.

3 Alexander Ström

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Mechanical Engineering
Slogan: Innovation and concrete action – Vote for mechanical engineering
Introduction: Greetings! I’m Alex, a 25-year-old third-year mechanical engineering student from Myyrmäki. Like many other candidates from META, I’m student active and currently serve as the Cultural Coordinator in the board of HTO, which stands for Helsingin Tekniikan Opiskelijat. Additionally, I’m also a tutor for exchange students and the chairperson of a club under METKA.I’m running for the representative council because I want to influence METKA’s decisions and be part of shaping the direction our student union will take next year

4 Santeri Hietanen

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Electrical and Automation Engineering
Slogan: Vote for Santeri
Introduction: 

5 Rosa Niiranen

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Laboratory Sciences
Slogan: It’s Rosa, not Roosa
Introduction: Hi, I’m Rosa, a 3rd year laboratory sciences student. I have been active in the student field since my freshman year, and you can find me in the circles of HTO and bileinssi. It is important to me that the school has high-quality teaching and good starting points for it. I want to improve cooperation between Metropolia and students.

6 Roni Hairetdin

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Electrical and Automation Engineering
Slogan:
Introduction:

7 Miko Wuorenjuuri

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Energy and Environmental Technology
Slogan:
Introduction:

8 Mirja Halla-aho

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Industrial Management
Slogan: Karamalmi’s fengshui is missing
Introduction: Hi, I’m Mirja, a second-year industrial engineering and management student. This fall, I’m serving as a tutor for the first time and have also been a contact person for UIO since last spring. I decided to run for the representative council to have the opportunity to influence matters at our school. I’m interested in promoting the overall well-being of students and advocating for great ideas.

9 Axel Kupias

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Mechanical Engineering
Slogan: It’s not stupid if it’s works
Introduction: I am a second-year mechanical engineering student, and this year I have been involved in the student council and served as the contact person in the UIO board.

10 Nicole Ojala

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Electrical and Automation Engineering
Slogan: I say what others think
Introduction: Hi, I’m Nicole and I’m studying electrical engineering. I was in the representative council before in 2021-2022. I’m currently working as the chair of Akava ’s students in the Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial staff in Fin and I’m board member of the Union of professional Engineers. I was also chair of the Union of Engineering Students and UIO. Knowledge can be found here!

11 Olli-Pekka Turunen

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Civil Engineering
Slogan: With a technical matter
Introduction: 5th year Civil engineering student. i have been for 2 years in Myllypuron rakennusalan opiskelijat MYRO ry and last year i was in METKA representative council. still got a lot ideas in mind for the future.

12 Antti Kokkonen

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Mechanical Engineering
Slogan: One more year
Introduction: Old active student that was supposed to graduate ages ago.

 

13 Santeri Vesanen

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Electrical and Automation Engineering
Slogan: Vote for Santeri
Introduction: Hello, I’m a second year electronics student who is interested in furthering the wellbeing of students of Metropolia and for that reason I am running for Metkas Representative council.

14 Henry Holm

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering
Slogan: Everyone deserves a chance at a good education!
Introduction: I’m a 30 year old student of biotechnology and chemical engineering and I’m currently in my third year of studies at Metropolia. I’ve been relatively active during my studies and have acted, among other things, as a tutor and as a member of the UIO board. I believe my perspective will be valuable to the student parliament.

15 Tytti Vilén

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Information and Communication Technology
Slogan: Information and communication to the Representative Council
Introduction: I am a second year information and communication technology student which you might have seen in HTO ry as an advocate, event planner and a Megora representative. Additionally, I have been the president in a finance committee in a camp organisation as well as a president and a treasurer in two different clubs while I was studying in a university in England.

16 Tiia Tuomaala

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Industrial Management
Slogan: You wouldn’t guess that I would come here and say that I really changed my field. You can calm down.
Introduction: Hey! I’m Tiia, a 22 yo industrial engineering freshman. To some, I may be a familiar face from my previous studies in laboratory scienses. Currently, I am the president of HTO ry. I have also been in METKA’s representative board for two years. In the next term, I would like advocate for students in smaller technical fields, while still remembering the richness that interdisciplinary brings.

17 Casper Varis

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Automotive Engineering
Slogan: Everything is possible
Introduction: I study for the second year of automotive design engineering. At the moment I’m a member of the board of UIO ry. The most important thing to me is the well-being of students.

18 Jasmin Hietaranta

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Laboratory Sciences
Slogan: Analyse the future – choose chemistry for the representative council
Introduction: I am Jasmin Hietaranta, 23 years old from Helsinki and a 3rd year student of Laboratory Sciences. I am a deputy member on HTO ry’s board, primarily supporting communication. My goal is also to be in the lead group of the MetLab club and to expand its activities. I am applying for the representative council to contribute to a better reflection of the needs of lab students in decision making. Together, we can improve our student union

19 Lauri Ylönen

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Electrical and Automation Engineering
Slogan: Meta does it
Introduction: Jag heter Lauri

20 Kaisa Manner

Electoral Coalition: META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
Study Field: Automotive Engineering
Slogan: One More Year!
Introduction: I am third year student at Myyrmäki campus. I want to make sure that every student have nice student life.

21 Maija Noronen

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Prosthetics and Orthotics
Slogan: Together a more unified Metropolia
Introduction: I am Maija – a 3rd year Prosthetics and Orthotics student from Myllypuro. During my studies, I have served 2 years on the board of MysteRy and as a headtutor of rehabilition and research fields in 2023. In addition, I serve as a student representative on the advisory board of my own degree program. I want do my part in creating a more unified Metropolia across campus boundaries.

22 Atte Kolehmainen

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Construction Site Management
Slogan: Life on all campuses
Introduction: Good morning, I’m Atte, a METKA alumnus and currently Vice President of the Finnish Student Sports Federation. I’ve studied on Myyrmäki and Myllypuro campuses, first BBA and now as a foreman. I’ve also worked towards the wellbeing of all our campuses and wish to continue doing that this year too. Come say hi if there’s something you think needs doing and we’ll see what can be done.

23 Teemu Stolt

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Physiotherapy
Slogan: For the student, against oppression
Introduction: I am Teemu Stolt, a 3rd year physiotherapy student. I have served on the METKA Board for the 2023 term and have also served on the MysteRy Board since 2022, so I know the challenges of administration and the impact of the student body on our everyday lives. By voting for me, you are voting for student rights and community.

24 Lilli Rissanen

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Public Health Nursing
Slogan: To make every moment of studying meaningful.
Introduction: Hello! I’m Lilli, a second year nursing student. I ended up in the field of studentactivities, naturally, through tutoring, which led me to become a headtutor and a board member of student association. As a student activist, I get to make not only my own but also every one’s study time meaningful. Some of my key values are safety and equality.

25 Enni Lahti

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Economics and Business Administration
Slogan: For a more interdisciplinary and international Metropolia
Introduction: I am a fourth-year business, marketing student. I have served as an exchange student tutor for a few terms, and as the head tutor for exchange students in the term of -23. I want to promote both interdisciplinarity and internationality at Metropolia.

26 Eikka Iivari

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Nursing
Slogan: For equality and well-being
Introduction: Hi, I’m Eikka! I’m a second year nursing student, and I’m also actively involved in student activities. Early in my studies I became a tutor, which gave me a stepping stone to becoming a head tutor, and a student association board member. Through these positions I’ve worked in amazing teams, where I’ve been able to develop and create the best possible study experience for Metropolia students.

27 Jonna Tynys

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Economics and Business Administration
Slogan: Together across campus borders
Introduction: Hello! I’m Jonna, a third-year BBA student from the Myyrmäki campus. My journey with student activities, first as a tutor and later as a head tutor, has reinforced my desire to create an even more equal, community-oriented, and interdisciplinary learning environment at Metropolia.

28 Lari Koskinen

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Energy and Environmental Technology
Slogan:Choose Lari: Making METKA Greater, One Dad Joke at a Time!
Introduction: I am a 4th-year energy and environmental technology student from the Myyrmäki campus of Metropolia. In addition to my academic pursuits, I currently hold the position of Vice President at the Finnish Student Sports Federation. With experience serving on the board last year and currently on the council of representatives, I have a deep understanding of student governance at Metropolia University.

29 Lauri Kanerva

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Economics and Business Administration
Slogan: Be active and you will be heard!
Introduction: I am a 4th year business student. Member of METKA’s board, responsible for Tutoring. Previously I’ve been a METKA tutor and a head tutor. Member of SAMOK ry Financial and Organizational Committee. As a representative I will make sure that METKA is able to fulfil its statutory obligations. I want to increase student activity and strengthen tutoring and student associations.

30 Catherine Gallego

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Economics and Business Administration
Slogan: Student well-being shouldn’t come last
Introduction: I am a third year Business Administration student. I have been a student-active for a couple of years in different kinds of roles, such as METKA Board 2022-2023 and Trombi Board 2022-2023. I have also been an exchange tutor and a student ambassador of Metropolia, so I have a lot of experience in different roles on the student-active field. I also have a cat. They’ll teach you a lot.

31 Anni Haavisto

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Nursing
Slogan: Every student is equally important
Introduction: Hello! My name is Anni and I am studying nursing at Myllypuro for my 4th year. I started volunteering as a tutor and this year I was a member of the board at METKA. Let us make Metropolia a better place for all students!

32 Gresa Krasniqi

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Information and Communication Technology
Slogan: Representing Karamalmi, Making Our Voices Heard!
Introduction: Hello everyone equally, I’m Gresa, and I’m studying Information and Communication Technology at Karamalmi <3 This year, I’m serving as one of the Headtutors in Kartsu, and before that, I was involved in the UIO board as the Event and Culture Coordinator. This year, I’m excited to embark on a new journey.

33 Alex Kalliomaa

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Social Services
Slogan: Out of oblivion
Introduction: I am a degree student of social services, with deep roots in international affairs formed through my time as head of exchange tutoring in Myllypuro in 2023 in addition to my current role as Vice President in ESN Metropolia. My foremost goal as a representative will be to advocate for the many oft-forgotten and underrepresented student demographics and to ensure their equality with other students.

34 Sanna Lumikuru

Electoral Coalition: Poikkipuu
Study Field: Social Services
Slogan: I care, do you?
Introduction: Hello! I’m Sanna, a second year social services student. This year I’ve been part of Head Tutor team and communications team in MysteRy. I’m applying because I want to be part in the process of making decisions and advocate for student wellbeing! Core values for me are equality and honesty.

35 Mikael Kaltiainen

Electoral Coalition: Fiksatiivi
Study Field: Film and Television
Slogan: Culture is for everyone
Introduction: I am second year movie and TV production student. I have been active in youth politics since 2015 in different local sectors. I’m also an small business photographer and I’m interested to advocate for students and their needs

36 Aleksis Seilo

Electoral Coalition: Fiksatiivi
Study Field: Film and Television
Slogan: Interdisciplinary poehinae improves the quality of life
Introduction: I’m a second year Film and TV student and this is my sixth year studying overall. Getting to know people from all the different campuses has been really valuable for me and I wish to improve the opportunities of others to do so aswell.

37 Tia Tast

Electoral Coalition: Fiksatiivi
Study Field: Design, Graphic Design
Slogan: :3
Introduction: 4th year graphic design student. I have been a student active for a few years now, for example in Demoni, as a tutor, etc. I want to promote interdisciplinarity, encourage culture students to become active in student life and make Metropolia a more fun place to study every year.

38 Juuli Ärttö

Electoral Coalition: MetSot – Metropolian sosiaali- ja terveysalojen opiskelijat
Study Field: Occupational Therapy
Slogan: You can take me away from Metropolia, but can’t take Metropolia away from me
Introduction: I’m Juuli, a second year occupational therapy student who has already graduated from Metropolia once before from social services. I´m head of student advocacy and events in METKA´s board this year, former vice-president and head of finances in Mystery´s board and a peer and an exchange tutor. I have a wealth of knowledge and experience that I want to use for the benefit of “sote”-students.

39 Justus Kalliokoski

Electoral Coalition: MetSot – Metropolian sosiaali- ja terveysalojen opiskelijat
Study Field: Prosthetics and Orthotics
Slogan: Just doing my best and a little bit more
Introduction: My name is Justus and I study prosthetics and orthotics for third year. I have been member of the student parliament this year and I would like to continue for one more year. This year I want to represent especially social and healthcare students. I have been chairperson of MysteRy for past 2 years and I think it is important to representing social and healthcare stundents. I have also been tutor.

40 Rick Wairimu

Electoral Coalition: Vaaliliitto Tulevaisuus
Field: Automotive Engineering
Slogan: For the Future
Introduction: My name is Rick, and I am currently pursuing a degree in automotive engineering here at Metropolia UAS. It is both an honor to stand before you today as a candidate for the upcoming student union elections. I believe that the student union plays a pivotal role in shaping our university experience, and I am excited to be part of that journey.

41 Didar Jumah

Electoral Coalition: Vaaliliitto Tulevaisuus
Study Field: Economics and Business Administration
Slogan: For the Future!
Introduction: Hey! My name is Didar. I am a second year business student. I am applying for METKA council to be the students voice in METKA! I am for the students.

 

Electoral coalitions and rings

Electoral Coalitions in the Representative Council Elections 2024

  • META – Metropolian tekniikan opiskelijat
  • Poikkipuu (Electoral Ring with Fiksatiivi)
  • Fiksatiivi (Electoral Ring with Poikkipuu)
  • MetSot – Metropolian sosiaali- ja terveysalojen opiskelijat
  • Vaaliliitto Tulevaisuus

Electoral Coalition

If two (2) or more candidates wish to form an electoral coalition they must fill the electoral coalition establishing form. An electoral coalition can consist of no more than the number of representatives elected in the election.

The electoral coalition establishing form must include the name and possible identifier of the election coalition and the names and birthdays of the candidates. A candidate can not be in more than one electoral coalition. One person acts as the representative of the electoral coalition. The representative can be one of the candidates.

Electoral Ring

Two (2) or more electoral coalitions can form an electoral ring as long as the total number of candidates is no more than two times the number of the representatives elected in the election. Electoral ring can also include independent candidates as well as electoral coalition(s). Candidates can not join multiple electoral rings or coalitions at the same time. An electoral ring establishing form must be filled to form an electoral ring.

The establishing form must include the name and possible identifier of the electoral ring and list all the names of the electoral coalitions. One person acts as the representative of the electoral ring. The representative can be one of the candidates.

General guidelines

The name or emblem of a candidate, electoral coalition or ring shall not infringe upon anyone’s rights or be commercial or otherwise inappropriate. If the name or symbol does not meet the requirements mentioned above, the Electoral Committee has the right to reject the name or symbol. In this case, however, a list of candidates, an electoral coalition or an electoral ring shall be included in the list of candidates, provided that the candidates belonging to it are eligible for election, and the documents are otherwise correctly drawn up. In this case, no identification shall be placed on the candidate list, electoral coalition or electoral ring.

Info package for candidate and representative

Campaigning

It is sometimes unclear how the Representative Council can influence voters and candidates. Here are some primary examples:

  • Choosing the board
  • Deciding the price of the membership fee
  • The election of student representatives to various institutions, for example, the Metropolia Board
  • Approval of the student union’s budget and action plan
  • Directing the activities of the board

In addition, the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Representative Council are entitled to speak and present at board meetings. Actions can also be made by taking various initiatives.

Sometimes the student union exercises executive and preparatory powers. For example, in preparing documents, the Representative Council members can influence it through their activity. In practice, the council member’s work is about familiarizing with meeting documents, sitting and influencing meetings, following events in the student union, and promoting potential own/electoral union interests, for example, through initiatives.

Examples where the Representative Council do not directly affect:

  • Representative Council does not intervene if a teacher is considered incompetent by the student.
  • Representative Council does not decide on Sodexo’s restaurant operations.
  • Representative Council does not decide matters subject to Metropolia’s decision-making power.
  • Representative Council cannot directly influence whether the Universities of Applied Sciences have municipal health care or FSHS.

For all these examples, there are other more direct pathways of influence. A wide range of issues is discussed in the Representative Council, and the debate always comes to the student union’s attention, but it is good to be aware that the representative decides on matters under the decision-making power of the student union. External factors are affected by other means.

Campaigning on campuses and on social media

No one should be pressured or urged to vote at or near a campaigning venue. Every voter should be allowed to vote in peace and preserve electoral secrecy. The campaign stand or in the immediate vicinity must always have an official METKA candidate list after they are made available. In using social media, campaigning must comply with the ethical rules of the game as defined in this Guidelines.

Ethical guidelines

No individual counter-candidate, electoral coalition or others shall be smeared or insulted. Election ads of opposing candidates may not be shunted, moved or removed from their seats. No inappropriate language derogatory to an individual or a particular group may be used in advertising. Advertising must also not be racist or otherwise inconsistent with METKA’s or Metropolia’s policies on equality.

Practical arrangements

The actual voting takes place electronically via a personal and disposable voting link, which is delivered to the Metropolia UAS email addresses of students who are eligible to vote (firstname.lastname@metropolia.fi). In addition to a disposable ID, the email contains more detailed instructions.

Election fraud

Election fraud is committed by a person who:
— takes part in the election in the name of another
— buy or sell votes
— vote multiple times
— prevent others in any way from voting
— force others to vote
— intentionally destroying election ads
— or perpetrate any other activity deemed fraudulent.

Breach of campaigning regulations

The Electoral Committee is responsible for monitoring compliance with campaigning regulations. A person guilty of the above-mentioned electoral fraud may, by the decision of the Electoral Committee, lose the right to vote and stand for election in the ongoing and next election. In case of mild and minor infringements, the Electoral Committee may, at its discretion, issue a written warning, public reproach, or violation concerning an electoral coalition or ring and decide to dissolve it.

Findings of electoral fraud or breaches of campaigning regulations should be submitted in writing to the Electoral Committee by email to vaalit@metkaweb.fi.

This post is also available in Suomi.