By-Elections for the Council of Representatives
What is the Representative Council?
The highest decision-making authority in the Student Union POKA is the Representative Council, elected by students for a one-year term. The Representative Council decides on the major directions of activities, appoints the Board, which implements the council’s decisions, guides and supervises the Board’s actions, and leads strategic-level work. The Representative Council consists of 12 members and deputy members. Its meetings are open to all members, meaning any POKA student union member can attend and follow the decision-making process. The Representative Council holds three regular meetings each year: the organizational meeting, the spring meeting, and the autumn meeting. Additional meetings may be convened if necessary.
Run as a candidate for the Representative Council!
Interested in deciding how POKA allocates its budget? Want to meet students from different fields? Looking for study credits? Run for the Representative Council, and you’ll have this opportunity.
Serving on the Representative Council is not only an effective way to make an impact but also a valuable learning experience. As a council member, you’ll become familiar with the student union’s budgeting, planning and evaluation processes, and strategic leadership. We are currently developing the role of the Representative Council, and in 2025, you’ll have the chance to influence how the council and the entire POKA Student Union will evolve both now and in the future.
According to the election Bylaw, all students of Karelia University of Applied Sciences who are members of the Student Union and are enrolled as full-time students by the last day for candidate registration, January 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM, are eligible to stand as candidates. Membership in the Student Union POKA is open to all students enrolled as full-time students at Karelia University of Applied Sciences.
The election lists and candidates submitted to POKA for the representative council by-elections are listed below:
Wärtsilä electoral roll
Candidate number 2: Onni Riikonen
Hi! I’m Onni Riikonen. I’m a second-year International Business student. I also serve as the advocacy representative on the board of Kilta Ry. I’m running for the representative council because I want to improve student life and make it an unforgettable experience for all of us.
My strengths include teamwork skills, creative thinking, and a determined work ethic. One area I’d like to improve on is flexibility.
Candidate number 3: Petri Kononen
Hi! I’m Petri Kononen, a 31-year-old business student working as a billing and customer complaint coordinator at Terveystalo. My job also involves promoting workplace well-being and endurance, which has reinforced my understanding of the importance of well-being—both in workplaces and in the student community.
My background in psychiatric nursing has taught me how essential it is to treat everyone as an individual. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym and practicing shuffle dance, which help me maintain balance in my busy work and study life. As a person, I am considerate, approachable, and productive, and I want to bring these qualities with me to the representative council.
Student advocacy and well-being development are causes close to my heart. I believe that through collaboration, we can create a student community where everyone can thrive and feel good.
Tikkarinne electoral roll
Candidate number 4: Antero Suokas
I’m Antero, a third-year media student. In 2023, I served on POKA’s board, where I was responsible for corporate and community communications.
I still have a strong passion for being involved and contributing to the development of our student union, as well as enhancing student well-being and experience. After focusing primarily on my studies in 2024, I now see this by-election as an opportunity to rejoin student activities—this time as a member of the representative council.
I bring valuable knowledge and the ability to work as an active member of the community. I get along well with people, and you’ll often find me at Karelia’s Tikkarinne campus. Feel free to come say hi, ask questions, or just chat about anything! I’m a bit of a chameleon—I can talk about pretty much anything.
Election Schedule
Candidacy deadline: Monday, January 20, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
Electoral lists published: January 21, 2025
Voting period: Monday, February 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM to Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM. All POKA members will get a voting link in their emails.
Representative Council meeting: 12.2.2025
Ask more about the elections from POKAs offices!