Over half of voters say candidates' appearance is important
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finds a poll by the YLE investigative journalism programme
Ajankohtainen kakkonen
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Traditionally, Finns have been reluctant to admit that candidates' appearance and style matter. The increased importance of external attributes, such as looks, is considered a surprising development.
Last week some 1,000 Finns were polled on their views on candidates' appearance. Some 14 percent of respondents said they believed it was very important that a chosen candidate was presentable. Thirty-eight percent said it was important and 33 percent said it was a somewhat important issue.
Meanwhile, 14 percent said looks had no bearing on their candidate choice. The 18 to 24 age group prioritised looks the most.
In terms of candidates' other attributes, some 35 percent of respondents said they believe it's very important for a candidate to have good public speaking skills that help establish credibility.
Respondents, however, said it was most important to find a candidate that closely aligns with one's own views and beliefs.
Those polled were Finns that had already voted during advance voting or people who said they were planning to vote.
