Latvia
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments: Latvia is divided into five constituencies for the Saeima elections: Riga, Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme and Zemgale.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter I, articles 7(1).
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:17:41 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
e. Geographic size of district
g. Other
Comments: The Saeima Election Law determines the boundaries. Latvia shall be divided into five constituencies for the Saeima elections: Riga, Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme, Zemgale. These are cultural and historical regions. The Riga constituency includes the city of Riga and voters abroad; the Vidzeme constituency includes the Aluksne, Cesis and Gulbene districts, Jurmala city, the Limbazi, Madona and Ogre districts, the Riga district (except Riga city), the Valka and Valmiera districts; the Latgale constituency includes the Balvi district, the Daugavpils district and city, the Kraslava, Ludza and Preili districts, the Rezekne district and Rezekne city; the Kurzeme constituency includes the Kuldiga district, the Liepaja district and city, the Saldus and Talsi districts, the Ventspils district and city; the Zemgale constituency includes the Aizkraukle, Bauska, Dobele and Jekabpils districts, the Jelgava district and city and the Tukums district.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter I, article 7.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:17:41 UTC
BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
g. Not applicable
Comments: The Saeima Election Law determines the boundaries: The Riga constituency includes the city of Riga; the Vidzeme constituency includes the Aluksne, Cesis and Gulbene districts, Jurmala city, the LimbaÇi, Madona and Ogre districts, the Riga district (except Riga city), the Valka and Valmiera districts; the Latgale constituency includes the Balvi district, the Daugavpils district and city, the Kraslava, Ludza and Preili districts, the Rezekne district and Rezekne city; the Kurzeme constituency includes the Kuldiga district, the Liepaja district and city, the Saldus and Talsi districts, the Ventspils district and city; the Zemgale constituency includes the Aizkraukle, Bauska, Dobele and Jekabpils districts, the Jelgava district and city and the Tukums district.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter I, article 7.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:17:41 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
b. Optional referendum
c. Citizens' initiative
d. Agenda initiative
Comments: c: A national referendum shall be held if: the President of Latvia has suspended the promulgation of a law for two months, and during this period a petition by not less than one-tenth of the electorate has been received to put the suspended law to a national referendum; the Saeima has not adopted without change as to its content a draft law or a draft amendment to the Constitution submitted by not less than one-tenth of the electorate.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 14:29:08 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: Constitution, 1922, Section 1-7 and 77; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:01:41 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:20:08 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:04:49 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:05:03 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:05:25 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:05:47 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:20:46 UTC
DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:49:56 UTC
DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:41:55 UTC
DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
b. Sample of signatures checked
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 7-12 and 22-25.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:42:46 UTC
DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
d. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 7-12 and 22-25.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:51:22 UTC
DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:43:25 UTC
DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 7-12 and 22-25.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:43:51 UTC
DD106 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:45:58 UTC
DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:47:02 UTC
DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:47:19 UTC
DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:47:48 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22-25.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:06:43 UTC
DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:48:02 UTC
DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
i. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:48:17 UTC
DD112 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
g. None
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:48:57 UTC
DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:49:11 UTC
DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
h. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:49:36 UTC
DD115 What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:50:17 UTC
DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:50:29 UTC
DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:50:43 UTC
DD118 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. No campaign organisations
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:51:03 UTC
DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. No campaign organisations
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:51:19 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:06:58 UTC
DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. No campaign organisations
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:51:35 UTC
DD121 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. None
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:52:31 UTC
DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. None
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:52:48 UTC
DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:53:06 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
a. Not applicable.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:53:35 UTC
DD125 Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
a. Yes
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:54:13 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
a. No restriction.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:54:32 UTC
DD127 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:54:51 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1922
b. Optional referendum 1994
c. Citizens' initiative 1994
d. Agenda initiative 1994
Last updated: 2006-03-07 14:30:01 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
a. Mandatory referendum 1994
b. Optional referendum 1994
c. Citizens' initiative 1994
d. Agenda initiative 1994
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 14:33:02 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
b. Independent electoral commission
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:08:55 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:09:13 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:12:39 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:13:05 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:13:27 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:13:48 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:14:01 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:14:13 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:14:25 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:14:36 UTC
DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:14:49 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:15:01 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
i. Other public policy issues
Comments: The President of Latvia has proposed the dissolution of the Saeima; the President of Latvia has suspended the promulgation of a law for two months, and during this period a petition by not less than one-tenth of the electorate has been received to put the suspended law to a national referendum; the Saeima has not adopted without change as to its content a draft law or a draft amendment to the Constitution submitted by not less than one-tenth of the electorate; membership of Latvia in the European Union must be decided; substantial changes in the terms regarding the membership of Latvia in the European Union must be decided, and at least one-half of the members of the Saeima have requested a national referendum on this matter.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:16:47 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
j. Other (specify)
Comments: Membership of Latvia in the European Union must be decided.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:18:59 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
Comments: The following matters shall not be submitted to a referendum: the budget, laws concerning loans, taxes, custom's duties, railway tariffs, military service, the declaration and commencement of war, the settlement of peace, the declaration of a state of emergency and its termination, mobilization, demobilization, foreign agreements.
Source: Constitution, 1922, Section 73.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:25:09 UTC
DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
e. None
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:25:38 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
c. President
d. Legislative majority
e. Registered electors
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:26:15 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
c. President
d. Legislature
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:26:56 UTC
DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
d. Legislature
e. Registered electors
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:28:10 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
b. The numbers of the articles or paragraphs of the legal instruments to which changes are proposed
d. The full text of the proposal
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:28:46 UTC
DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
b. The numbers of the articles or paragraphs of the legal intruments to which chnages are proposed
d. The full text of the proposal
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:29:08 UTC
DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
b. Independent electoral commission
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:29:39 UTC
DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
b. Independent electoral commission
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:29:57 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
d. Not applicable Not applicable.
Source: Constitution, 1922, Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:37:18 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
d. Not applicable Not applicable.
Source: Constitution, 1922, Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:37:37 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
d. Other (specify below)
Comments: Absolute majority is required for amending the Constitution, i.e. the majority of the registered voters must be in favor of the proposal. In othert cases (for instance the dissolution of the Saeimas) a simple, relative majority, i.e. the majority of the votes cast, suffices.
Source: Constitution, 1922, Section 48 and 79.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:40:44 UTC
DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:41:04 UTC
DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election?
Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
f. Other
Comments: No difference.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 2.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:41:47 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
a. Always
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:42:04 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
a. Always
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:42:18 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Legislative proposals
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:42:45 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Legislative proposals
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22-25.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:44:26 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
k. None
Comments: However, presumably the restrictions applicable regarding referendums apply accordingly.
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22-25.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:45:32 UTC
DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
k. None
Comments: However, the restrictions regarding referendums may be applied accordingly.
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22-25.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:46:44 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
a. A number of individuals
Comments: 10,000
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:55:20 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
a. A number of individuals
c. Other (specify)
Comments: See previous question.
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:49:35 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
a. Proposed title
c. Full proposed text
d. Other (specify)
Comments: Each signature must be certified by a sworn notary public or a local government authority.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:50:45 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
a. Proponents of the initiative
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994. article 22-25.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:51:24 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
a. Proponents of the initiative
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22-25.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:51:50 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
g. Other (specify)
Comments: No such provisions are included in the Law.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:52:35 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
e. None
Comments: No such provisions are included in the law.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:53:08 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
a. An automatic check is part of the initiative process
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:53:31 UTC
DD57 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
b. Independent electoral commission
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:53:54 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
a. After its registration, before the collection of signatures
e. Other (specify)
Comments: Rather at the moment of registration.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22-25.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:54:52 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:55:14 UTC
DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
d. Not at all
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:55:27 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:55:40 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:55:57 UTC
DD63 Who decides the final ballot text?
a. Proponents of the initiative
b. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, article 22-25.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:56:30 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
c. Other (specify)
Comments: The Saeima is only obliged to consider the initiative, however, in case it does not adopt it, referendums are to be held. There is not time-limit specified.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1 and 22-25.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:58:43 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
b. President
k. Not applicable
Comments: However, if the President's proposal for dissolution of the Saeima fails on the referendum, the he/she is recalled.
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 10:59:55 UTC
DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
f. Other (specify)
Comments: See comments to the previous question.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:00:27 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
a. Not applicable.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:00:45 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:01:01 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:01:16 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
a. Not applicable.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:01:46 UTC
DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:02:16 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable Not applicable
Last updated: 2006-03-07 14:38:46 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
b. Proportion of the electorate 10%
Comments: A national referendum shall be held if the President of Latvia has suspended the promulgation of a law for two months, and during this period a petition by not less than one-tenth of the electorate has been received to put the suspended law to a national referendum.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, Article 1.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 14:39:28 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
a. Fixed number 10,000
Comments: 100,000 signatures are required to start collecting the signatures for the citisens' initiative. If 10% of the electorate signes the proposal it is to be submitted to the legislative. If the latter does not adopt a law or amend the Constitution in accordance withe the proposal, a national referendum is to be held.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1 and 22-25.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 14:48:51 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994
Last updated: 2006-03-07 14:48:36 UTC
DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 14:51:43 UTC
DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
a. Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: 30 days.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 7-9 and 22-25.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 14:52:07 UTC
DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
a. Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: 30 days.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 7-9 and 22-25.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 14:53:49 UTC
DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 14:54:08 UTC
DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:27:05 UTC
DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
d. None
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22.; Saeima Election Law 1995, article 22.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:37:42 UTC
DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
d. None
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22.; Saeima Election Law 1995, article 22.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:39:18 UTC
DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:40:07 UTC
DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable Not applicable.
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:10:00 UTC
DD85 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
c. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:10:15 UTC
DD87 Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:42:13 UTC
DD88 Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
b. At specified places
Comments: Only at the signing stations determined by the local authorities.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 7.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:43:12 UTC
DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
b. At specified places
Comments: Only at the signing stations determined by the local authorities.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 7.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:43:45 UTC
DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:44:51 UTC
DD91 Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:15:13 UTC
DD92 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:45:44 UTC
DD93 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
a. Signatories must provide identity/voting card number
c. Other (specify)
Comments: The petition lists shall contain the full name and the personal identification number/code of each signatory as indicated in his/her Latvian citizens passport, as well as the date of signing the petition list.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 8.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:46:24 UTC
DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
a. Signatories must provide identity/voting card number
c. Other (specify)
Comments: The petition lists shall contain the full name and the personal identification number/code of each signatory as indicated in his/her Latvian citizens passport, as well as the date of signing the petition list.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 8.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:46:55 UTC
DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:47:15 UTC
DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-03-21 11:38:31 UTC
DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
f. Not applicable
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:47:56 UTC
DD98 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
b. Ban on payment per signature
e. Other (specify)
Comments: Signatures can be collected only at the places designated for that purpose.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 7-12.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:48:16 UTC
DD99 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
b. Ban on payment per signature
e. Other (specify)
Comments: Signatures can be collected only at the places designated for that purpose.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 7-12.
Last updated: 2006-03-07 15:49:26 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION
b. Full Address Smilsu 4, Riga, Latvia
c. Telephone +371-67322-688
d. Facsimile +371-67325-251
e. Email cvk@cvk.lv
f. Website Address www.cvk.lv
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Arnis Cimdars
h. Information Officer Kristine Berzina
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Latvian
Source: Central Election Commission
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:09:08 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
Comments: There are no elected regional governments in Latvia.
Source: Law on the Central Election Commission, Chapter I, article 1.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:10:16 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Comments: It is the Saeima which determines the budget of the Central Election Commission.
Source: Constitution, chapter V, article 66.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:15:26 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
g. Other
Comments: The expentitures are controlled by the State Audit Office.
Source: Central Election Commission
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:14:12 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: Four years Not later than six months after its convening, the Saeima shall establish a Central Election Commission. The Saeima shall be elected for a term of four years.
Source: Law on the Central Election Commission, chapter I, article 1, Constitution, chapter II, article 10.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:15:26 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 1625500
b. Exchange rate used 0,62 USD/1 LAT
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:09:08 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 1.345.942
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:09:08 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
d. Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: The President shall be elected by the Saeima for a four-year term.
Source: Constitution, chapter III, article 35.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Sep 2002 15:43:02 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
e. Appointed
Comments: Appointed by the President.
Source: Constitution, chapter IV, article 56.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:05:35 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Source: Constitution, chapter III.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 12:27:07 GMT
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Source: Constitution, chapter II.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 12:27:36 GMT
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
g. List Proportional Representation
Comments: Latvia is divided into separate electoral districts. The number of representatives to the Saeima, to be elected from each district, shall be proportional to the number of electors in each district. Article 7 (1) Latvia shall be divided into five constituencies for the Saeima elections: Riga; Vidzeme; Latgale; Kurzeme and Zemgale.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter I, article 7.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:05:35 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2008-02-05 14:43:15 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Comments: Electoral procedure for the Saiema (Parliament) is stipulated by the Saeima (Parliament) Election Law. Several conditions of elections are included in the Constitution.
Source: Central Election Commission
Last updated: 2008-02-05 14:47:26 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Source: The Saeima Election Law
Last updated: Mon, 09 Sep 2002 15:52:05 GMT
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary
Comments: Citizens of Latvia who have reached the age of 18 by the election day, have the right to vote unless any of the restrictions set in Article 2 of this Law apply.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, Chapter I, article 1.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:07:24 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:08:34 UTC
ME09 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
b. Private radio
d. Private television
e. Print media
Last updated: 2005-03-29 10:54:03 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:08:34 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
a. 2003
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:08:34 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:08:34 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
a. Radio and Television Law, 1995.
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:08:34 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:08:34 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
g. Other (specify)
Comments: Registration of the List of candidates for the elections Deputy candidates may use free broadcast time on the Latvian Radio and the Latvian Television for their election campaigning in accordance with the procedure established by the Law, if they have put in a reference about submitting of the lists of candidates at least 40 days before the election day. Source: Law on Pre-election Campaign before Saeima Elections and Elections to the European Parliament, article 2.
Source: Central Election Commission
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:13:48 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising x
Comments: Parties or unions of parties which have submitted their lists of deputy candidates for the parliamentary elections or elections to the European Parliament, can spend in pre-election expenditures an amount that does not exceed 0.20 Lats per voter at the previous parlamentary elections. If a party or a union of parties has submitted its list of deputy candidates for the local authority council election, it is allowed to spend in pre-election expenditures an amount that does not exceed 0.20 Lats per voter at the previous election of the respective local government council. The maximum amount that a political party was permitted to spend on pre-election campain in the last parliamentary elections in 2006 was 279 631 Lats or 397 879 Euros.
Source: Law on Finansing of Political Organizations (Parties), article 8
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:11:11 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising b:
Last updated: 2005-03-29 12:19:33 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
b. There are no laws in this regard b:
Last updated: 2005-03-29 12:19:54 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
b. The law does not specify any limits b:
Last updated: 2005-03-29 12:20:10 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
b. None b:
Last updated: 2005-03-29 12:20:28 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Last updated: 2005-03-29 12:20:44 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
a. ......... None
Last updated: 2005-03-29 12:21:03 UTC
ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public on the election day. This stipulation is mandatory only for the Latvian Radio and the Latvian Television.
Source: Law on Pre-election Campaign before Saeima Elections and Elections to the European Parliament, article 14.
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:13:48 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)
f. Other
Comments: a) A list of candidates shall be submitted by a person authorised by the decision-making body of the relevant political organisation (party) or the association of political organisations (parties). b) The Central Election Commission shall only register the lists of candidates, if the persons submitting these lists have made a security deposit of 1.000 Lats (2110 USD) in the Central Election Commission fund. If no candidate is elected from the list, the Central Election Commission shall transfer the security deposit to the state budget. f) Candidate lists may be submitted by a legally registered political organisation (party) and by a legally registered association of political organisations (parties). Lists of candidates shall be accepted starting from the 80th day before Election Day, but the 60th day before Election Day shall be the last date to accept the said lists.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter III, articles 9.
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:18:36 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of only one chamber.
Source: Constitution, chapter II.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 15:09:29 GMT
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
Comments: Any citizens of Latvia who has reached the age of 21 before Election Day may be elected to the parliament unless any of the restrictions specified the Saeima Election Law apply.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter I, article 4
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:33:16 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of only one chamber.
Source: Constitution, chapter II.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 15:54:46 GMT
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
a. Neither in presidential nor legislative elections
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter II, article 9.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Sep 2002 16:34:19 GMT
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
c. Indirect
Source: Law on Financing of Political Organizations (Parties), article 2.
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:27:58 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
a. Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance
Source: Law on Pre-election Campaign before Saeima Elections and Elections to the European Parliament, article 5.
Last updated: 2008-02-14 13:28:58 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Comments: Votes shall be counted at an open meeting of the polling station commission.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter IV, article 29.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:40:37 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter IV, article 351, chapter VI, article 51.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:40:37 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
Source: Law on the Central Election Commission, chapter II, article 6.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:20:39 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
a. Continuously
Comments: Activities are intensified during the pre-elections period.
Source: Central Election Commission.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Sep 2002 16:10:31 GMT
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
c. At any polling station in the same country
e. At mobile polling stations
f. By mail
h. By proxy
Comments: c) Because there is no voter register. e) If the voter is ill, and willing to vote, somebody goes to their homes. f) Only citizens being abroad may vote by mail. h) If being physical handicapped prevents an elector from voting, then, a member of their family, or another trustworthy person, can mark the ballot paper according to word-of-mouth instructions given by the voter. The person marking the ballot must not be a member of the relevant election commission.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, articles: 3, 22, 24, 25 and 43.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:25:26 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
d. Members of the armed forces
e. Students
f. Diplomatic staff
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter V, articles 43 and 44.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Sep 2002 16:20:20 GMT
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
b. Consulates
e. By mail
Comments: Electors residing in a foreign country at the time of the elections, shall cast their votes in person by arriving at the polling stations established by the Central Election Commission in the consulates of the Republic of Latvia as recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or vote by mail.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter V, articles 43 and 44.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:25:26 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
b. No X
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:25:26 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter IV.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Sep 2002 16:25:41 GMT
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 7
b. The largest polling station: 15
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:25:26 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter I, article 1.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:23:40 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
Comments: Citizens of Latvia who have reached the age of 18 by Election Day have the right to vote unless any of the restrictions specified in Article 2 of this Law apply.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter I, article 1.
Last updated: 2008-02-06 13:22:49 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
f. Not applicable
Comments: There is no voter registration.
Source: The Saeima Election Law, chapter I, article 3.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Sep 2002 16:15:57 GMT
May 20, 2008 07:19 AM
