The Finnish elections are taking place today, as Finns head to the polls to elect a new president following the end of current president Sauli Niinisto's six-year term. 

Former Prime Minister Alexander Stubb's center-right National Coalition Party and former Foreign Minister and Green Party member Pekka Haavisto are leading the polls, out of the nine candidates running.  

Both front runners have had controversial careers as Finnish politicians. 

The elected president will serve a six-year term with limited powers and does not lead foreign policy together with the government.

If neither can accumulate more than 50% of the votes, then an electoral runoff will be held on February 11 of this year.

Finland's first elections as a NATO country

This marks Finland's first elections as a NATO country. The next president is expected to walk down Niinisto's political path regarding European and transatlantic affairs. 

Finland, traditionally known for its policy of neutrality during the Cold War, departed from its historical stance by seeking NATO membership following the war in Ukraine last year. The Finnish government cited the need for mutual defense protection as a crucial factor in its decision to join the military alliance.

Finland officially became a NATO member in April and subsequently strengthened its ties with the United States by signing a bilateral security agreement this month.

The agreement includes provisions granting American troops access to military bases on Finnish soil, a move described as a "serious challenge" for Russia.

Read more: Finland's military spending rises to Cold War levels as it joins NATO