A Finnish retail cooperative saw unprecedented voter participation in its board elections. The turnout surge followed an incentive offering three years of free groceries valued at €10,000 each.
Voting participation reached 32.3%, a sharp increase from the previous 27.0%. Total votes cast reached 44,559, exceeding the last election by 9,525 ballots.
The 50-member board will feature 27 new representatives. Gender balance shows 28 women and 22 men elected. Members range from 28 to 85 years old, with an average age of 54.9.
Cashier Sari Leskinen from Kangasniemi led all candidates with 946 votes. She secured her position representing the southern member district. Dental hygienist Leena Kalmari and rural entrepreneur Ari Häkkinen followed with 726 and 700 votes respectively.
In Jyväskylä's district, cashier Virve Savolainen topped results with 747 votes. Teacher Ilse Weijo and journalist Eila Tiainen received 734 and 666 votes.
Northern district winners included retired salesperson Aila Penttinen with 872 votes. Forestry teacher Päivi Kaipomäki and hairdresser Tarja Pullinen gained 821 and 714 votes.
The newly elected board begins its term immediately after result publication. Their four-year mandate includes approving financial statements and selecting the administrative council.
Cooperative boards in Finland typically oversee strategic direction while representing member-owners. This election's prize incentive clearly demonstrated how material rewards can drive democratic participation, though some might question whether this compromises pure electoral engagement.
Full election results and board composition details remain available through the cooperative's official channels.