Support for Pirita Näkkäläjärvi strong as Sámi Parliament prepares for re-election in Finland

Following recent re-elections, support for Pirita Näkkäläjärvi, the current chairperson of the Sámi Parliament in Finland, remains strong. Many members wish to retain her leadership and the existing board throughout this term. Näkkäläjärvi expressed her commitment to continue as chair if there is confidence in her leadership. “I have been working as chair for just over six months. It has been a dream job and a great honor to serve the Sámi people. I am prepared to continue if trust is given,” she stated.

Näkkäläjärvi was elected chair in a reorganization meeting held in January. On September 23, the Sámi Parliament will organize again, as the elections held last autumn were declared invalid by the Supreme Administrative Court, necessitating a summer re-election.

She noted, “The election results showed no major changes. The broader political landscape remains unchanged.” The current board has solid backing from its members, including first vice-chair Leo Aikio from Inari and second vice-chair Tuomas Aslak Juuso from Enontekiö. Only Juuso refrained from explicitly naming his support for the chair position, although he indicated he would back the current board.

The Supreme Administrative Court (KHO) ordered the renewal of elections because the electoral committee had failed to include individuals in the voter list that should have been added based on previous decisions by the court.

Interest in board positions is evident. Ulla-Maarit Magga from Enontekiö and Nilla Tapiola from Utsjoki both expressed readiness for leadership roles. Meanwhile, Anni Koivisto, a former vice-chair, has ruled out contesting for chair again, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among members.