Short answers, pulled from the story.
The Constitution Act of 1919 established the presidential office in Finland. This document granted the president broad executive powers over foreign policy and domestic appointments for decades.
Since 1994, the president has been elected by a direct popular vote. The first round of balloting takes place on the fourth Sunday of January in the election year.
Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg was chosen as the first president due to transition rules and martial law. He was selected by the Finnish parliament rather than through an electoral college or direct vote.
The president of the republic is the commander-in-chief of the Finnish Defence Forces. Decisions concerning military orders are made by the president in conjunction with the prime minister and the minister of defence.
Presidential vetoes are generally successful in preventing a bill from becoming law. The president must decide on ratification within three months of receiving the bill.