Sauli Niinistö ran for president as an independent candidate, however supported by both the conservative party (Kokoomus) and the Christian democrats (Kristillisdemokraatit). In the run up to the election he faced the Green Party´s parliamentarian Pekka Haavisto (Vihreäliitto) and Laura Huhtasaari from the right-wing Populist Party True Finns (Perussuomalaiset). Although the President´s victory was expected, the margin by which he won over his nine challengers was startling. Pekka Haavisto who came second with 12.4% of the vote exemplifies the magnitude of the President´s victory. Laura Huhtasaari who finished third attracted only 6.9% of the votes. Furthermore, the fact that Niinistö received less than 50% of the votes in only 13 Municipalities in the whole of Finland exemplifies his dominance. He scored highest in Luodo in western Finland with 84.3% and lowest in Tervola, a municipality in Lappland, with 44.3% of the vote.