Finns go to the polls to elect a new president at an unprecedented time for the NATO newcomer

On Sunday, Finland held its first-ever presidential election. A few years ago, these developments would have seemed unimaginable for the Nordic country, which is now a member of NATO and has closed its eastern border with Russia. Voting in all regions of the nation began at 9 a.m. (0700 GMT) and will end at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT). In Finland, like in much of Europe, the president has executive authority over foreign and security policy, especially when it comes to dealing with non-EU nations like China, Russia, and the United States. A total of nine candidates—six men and three women—will…