Political Campaigns and Social Media - Municipal Elections in Finland 2021 During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The internet and social media have become vital communication channels for businesses, institutions, civil society, communities and governments. The world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 and brought as a result virtual alternatives for telecommunicating, working, studying and leisure activities online. Politics were not excluded from this change and continued their democratic processes around the world using technology to interact with civilians. This study finds and analyzes the results of political campaigns and the use of social media during the spring 2021 municipal elections in Helsinki, Finland.