HELSINKI, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Finland's Christian Democratic Party convention over the weekend decided not to nominate a presidential candidate, but instead to support the second term of current President Sauli Niinisto.
A slight majority of respondents to an internal inquiry had backed the nomination of a candidate, but the chairman of the party Sari Essayah refused to run and expressed support to Niinisto.
President Niinisto is seeking reelection in the January 2018 voting as an independent candidate. The collection of required 20,000 signatures for making his candidacy valid is under way.
Christian Democratic Party is the first party in the parliament to back Niinisto and nominate no candidate. The Blue Future, formed by the secessionist from the Finns Party, is also considering whether to nominate or to back some other party's candidate or Niinisto.
In the Christian Democratic Party convention in Seinajoki, west-central Finland, a debate erupted whether president Niinisto is "Christian enough", national broadcaster Yle reported.
The majority of the party floor held the view that Niinisto in any event matches better the party's goals than the Green candidate Pekka Haavisto, if he reaches the second round.
Christian Democratic Party is a value conservative party. For example, it opposes staunchly the legislation of marriage equality.
