Info
Disclaimer: This section of Comparative Data is not being updated.
Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please
contact the ACE facilitators .
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 7: (1) Latvia shall be divided into five constituencies for the Saeima elections: 1) Riga, 2) Vidzeme, 3) Latgale, 4) Kurzeme, 5) Zemgale.
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1
Verified: 2014/10/09
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
e . Geographic size of district g . Other
Comments: Article 7: (1)Latvia shall be divided into five constituencies for the Saeima elections:1) Riga,2) Vidzeme,2) Latgale,4) Kurzeme,5) Zemgale.
(2) The Riga constituency shall include the city of Riga;
The Vidzeme constituency shall include the Adazi, Aloja, Aluksne, Amata, Ape, Babite, Baldone, Beverina, Burtnieki, Carnikava, Cesis, Cesvaine, Ergli, Garkalne, Gulbene, Ikskile, Incukalns, Jaunpiebalga, Koceni, Krimulda, Kegums, Kekava, Lielvarde, Ligatne, Limbazi, Lubana, Madona, Malpils, Marupe, Mazsalaca, Naukseni, Ogre, Olaine, Pargauja, Priekuli, Rauna, Ropazi, Rujiena, Salacgriva, Salaspils, Saulkrasti, Seja, Sigulda, Smiltene, Stopini, Strenci, Valka, Varaklani, Vecpiebalga municipality, the city of Jurmala and the city of Valmiera;
The Latgale constituency shall include the Aglona, Baltinava, Balvi, Cibla, Dagda, Daugavpils, Ilukste, Karsava, Kraslava, Livani, Ludza, Preili, Rezekne, Riebiņu, Rugaji, Varkava, Vilaka, Vilani, Zilupe municipality, the city of Daugavpils and the city of Rezekne;
The Kurzeme constituency shall include the Aizpute, Alsunga, Broceni, Dundaga, Durbe, Grobina, Kuldigas, Nica, Pavilosta, Priekule, Roja, Rucava, Saldus, Skrunda, Talsi, Vainode, Ventspils municipality, the city of Liepaja and the city of Ventspils;
The Zemgale constituency shall include the Aizkraukle, Akniste, Auce, Bauska, Dobele, Engure, Iecava, Jaunjelgava, Jaunpils, Jekabpils, Jelgava, Kandava, Koknese, Krustpils, Nereta, Ozolnieki, Plavinas, Rundale, Sala, Skriveri, Tervete, Tukums, Vecumnieki, Viesite municipality, the city of Jelgava and the city of Jekabpils
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1
Verified: 2014/10/09
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: The boundaries are determined in the Saeima Election Law which is adopted by the Saeima as the legislative body of the Republic of Latvia.
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 64: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
d . Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: Article 35. The Saeima shall elect the President for a term of four years.
Article 36. The President shall be elected by secret ballot with a majority of the votes of not less than fifty-one members of the Saeima.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 35-36: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2022/09/12
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: Article 55. The Cabinet shall be composed of the Prime Minister and the Ministers chosen by the Prime Minister.
Article 56. The Cabinet shall be formed by the person who has been invited by the President to do so.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 55-56: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2022/09/12
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 35-54: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2022/09/12
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: Article 5. The Saeima shall be composed of one hundred representatives of the people.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 5 & 64: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2022/09/12
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: Article 6. The Saeima shall be elected in general, equal and direct elections, and by secret ballot based on proportional representation.
Article 7. In the division of Latvia into separate electoral districts, provision for the number of members of the Saeima to be elected from each district shall be proportional to the number of electors in each district.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 6-7: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2022/09/12
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014)
Electoral Law: The Election Law On City and Town Councils, District Councils and Pagasts Councils as amended in 2004
Law: Voters’ Register Law, adopted on January 22, 2004.
Law: Law on the Central Election Commission as amended on 6 May 2010.
Instruction on counting of votes in the Saeima election (3 June 2010), amended on 2 October 2010.
Instruction on operation of the polling station commissions during the Saeima elections (3 June 2010).
Verified: 2014/10/09
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections
Comments: Separate laws cover different elections.
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Electoral Law: The Election Law On City and Town Councils, District Councils and Pagasts Councils as amended in 2004.
Electoral Law: Law on Elections to the European Parliament as amended on 30 October 2008.
Verified: 2014/10/09
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Voting is a right, not a duty.
Article 1: 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: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 1: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: Electoral Law: Article 351: (1)The submitters of candidate lists have the righto read the vote-counting minutes and contest these minutes by presenting their objections to the Central Election Commission within three days after the election results, as recorded in the vote-counting minutes, have been approved. The Central Election Commission shall examine the complaint and take a decision within three days.
Law: Article 6: The Central Election Commission shall: (71) check election results in specific constituencies or polling stations on the basis of received complaints or on its own initiative;
(8) review complaints and proposals regarding the decisions and work of other election commissions and annul their unlawful decisions;
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 351 (1): http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Law: Law on the Central Election Commission as amended on 6 May 2010, art. 6(71) & (8).
Verified: 2014/10/09
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: Article 1: Not later than six months after its convening, the Saeima shall establish a Central Election Commission as a permanently functioning public institution for the preparation and conducting of the Saeima elections, the European Parliament elections, City Council and Municipality Council elections, as well as a national referendum and initiation of legislation.
Source: Law: Law on the Central Election Commission as amended on 6 May 2010, art. 1: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/28127.html (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Electoral Law: Article 53: Costs arising from the preparation and holding of the elections shall be covered from the state budget.
Constitution: Article 66. Annually, before the commencement of each financial year, the Saeima shall determine the State Revenues and Expenditures Budget, the draft of which shall be submitted to the Saeima by the Cabinet.
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 53: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 66: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: Costs arising from the preparation and holding of the elections are covered from the state budget, which is controlled by the State Audit Office. Thus, the body controlling expenditures of the national electoral management body is the State Audit Office, which is an independent, collegial, supreme audit institution in the Republic of Latvia, subject only to law.
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 53: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Law: State Audit Office Law as amended on 22 June 2005, sec. 1(1)-(2) & 2(1)(1).
Verified: 2014/10/09
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: 4 years.
Law: Article 1: Not later than six months after its convening, the Saeima shall establish a Central Election Commission as a permanently functioning public institution.
Constitution: Article 10. The Saeima shall be elected for a term of four years.
Source: Law: Law on the Central Election Commission as amended on 6 May 2010, art. 1: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/28127.html (2014)
Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 10: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Verified: 2014/10/02
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: Article 2: The Central Election Commission shall consist of nine members who are voters.
Source: Law: Law on the Central Election Commission as amended on 6 May 2010, art. 2: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/28127.html (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments: Article 2: The Saeima shall elect the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission and seven Commission members, and the Supreme Court, at its plenum, shall elect one Commission member from among the judges.
Source: Law: Law on the Central Election Commission as amended on 6 May 2010, art. 1: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/28127.html (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
e . Legislature f . Judiciary
Comments: The Saeima shall elect the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission and seven Commission members, and the Supreme Court, at its plenum, shall elect one Commission member from among the judges.
Source: Law: Law on the Central Election Commission as amended on 6 May 2010, art. 1: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/28127.html (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: Article 6: The Central Election Commission shall: 72) inform voters about the voting procedure at elections or a national referendum and initiation of legislation;
Source: Law: Law on the Central Election Commission as amended on 6 May 2010, art. 6 (72): http://cvk.lv/pub/public/28127.html (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: The information regarding elections are provided for in the Official Website of the Central Election Commission. Activities of the voter education are intensified during the pre-elections period.
Source: Latvian Central Election Commission's Official Website: http://web.cvk.lv/pub/public/index.html (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body h . Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations j . Yes, conducted by the Media
Comments:
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Final Report on the early parliamentary elections (17 September 2011) in the Republic of Latvia. Warsaw (19 December 2011): http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/Latvia/86363
Verified: 2012/02/07
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Article 1. Citizens of Latvia who have reached the age of 18 by election day have the right to vote.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 8: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014);
Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 1: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: Article 4: Any citizen of Latvia who has reached the age of 21 before election day may be elected to the Saeima unless one or more of the restrictions specified in Article 5 of this Law apply.
Article 5: Persons are not to be included in the lists of candidates and are not eligible to be elected to the Saeima if they:
1) have been placed under statutory trusteeship by the court;
2) are serving a court sentence in a penitentiary;
3) have been convicted of an intentionally committed criminal offence except in cases when persons have been rehabilitated or their conviction has been expunged or vacated;
4) have committed a criminal offence set forth in the Criminal Law in a state of mental incapacity or a state of diminished mental capacity or who, after committing a criminal offence, have developed a mental disorder and thus are incapable of taking or controlling a conscious action and as a result have been subjected to compulsory medical measures, or whose cases have been dismissed without applying such compulsory medical measures;
5) belong to the salaried staff of the state security, intelligence or counterintelligence services of a foreign country or have belonged to the salaried staff of the state security, intelligence or counterintelligence services of the USSR or the Latvian SSR except persons who have been employed at the Planning, Finance or Administrative Departments of the Committee for State Security of the USSR or the Latvian SSR;
6) after 13 January 1991 have been active in the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (the Communist Party of Latvia), the International Front of the Working People of the Latvian SSR, the United Board of Working Bodies, the Organisation of War and Labour Veterans, the All-Latvia Salvation Committee or its regional committees;
7) have been sentenced with a prohibition to stand as a candidate in the elections of the Saeima, European Parliament, city or municipality councils unless they have been rehabilitated or their conviction has been expunged or vacated.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 8: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014);
Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 4-5: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
e . Other
Comments: Article 3: (2) Processing of data included on the Register and maintenance of the Register shall be carried out by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs.
Source: Law: Voters’ Register Law, adopted on January 22, 2004, art. 3(2).
Verified: 2014/10/03
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 5. (1) The Register shall include, update and store data on competent citizens of Latvia who have reached the age of 18 on the day of elections to the Saeima, the European Parliament, a town council, a county council or a parish council, or on the day of nation-wide referendum (hereinafter also referred to as “the elections), and who are filed with the Register of Residents.
(2) The Register shall include, update and store data on competent citizens of the European Union who are not citizens of Latvia and have reached the age of 18 on the day of elections to the European Parliament, and who are filed with the Register of Residents or have applied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in relation to whom the Central Election Commission has made a decision on their inclusion on the Register in accordance with the law.
Source: Law: Voters’ Register Law, adopted on January 22, 2004, art. 5.
Verified: 2014/10/03
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) f . Other
Comments: Article 9: (1) A list of candidates may be submitted:
1) by a legally registered political party;
2) by a legally registered alliance of political parties.
Article 12: (1) The Central Election Commission shall register only those lists of candidates whose submitters have made a security deposit of EUR 1,400 in the bank account of the Central Election Commission.
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 9, 12: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The national legislature consists of only one chamber.
Source: Constitution, chapter II.
Verified: 2002/08/22
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: Article 4: Any citizen of Latvia who has reached the age of 21 before Election Day may be elected to the Saeima unless any of the restrictions specified in Article 5 of this Law apply.
Article 5: Persons are not to be included in the lists of candidates and are not eligible to be elected to the Saeima if they:
1) have been placed under statutory trusteeship by the court;
2) are serving a court sentence in a penitentiary;
3) have been convicted of an intentionally committed criminal offence except in cases when persons have been rehabilitated or their conviction has been expunged or vacated;
4) have committed a criminal offence set forth in the Criminal Law in a state of mental incapacity or a state of diminished mental capacity or who, after committing a criminal offence, have developed a mental disorder and thus are incapable of taking or controlling a conscious action and as a result have been subjected to compulsory medical measures, or whose cases have been dismissed without applying such compulsory medical measures;
5) belong to the salaried staff of the state security, intelligence or counterintelligence services of a foreign country or have belonged to the salaried staff of the state security, intelligence or counterintelligence services of the USSR or the Latvian SSR except persons who have been employed at the Planning, Finance or Administrative Departments of the Committee for State Security of the USSR or the Latvian SSR;
6) after 13 January 1991 have been active in the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (the Communist Party of Latvia), the International Front of the Working People of the Latvian SSR, the United Board of Working Bodies, the Organisation of War and Labour Veterans, the All-Latvia Salvation Committee or its regional committees;
7) have been sentenced with a prohibition to stand as a candidate in the elections of the Saeima, European Parliament, city or municipality councils unless they have been rehabilitated or their conviction has been expunged or vacated.
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 4-5: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments: The national legislature consists of only one chamber.
Source: Constitution, chapter II.
Verified: 2002/08/22
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
b . In presidential elections
Comments: Constitution: Article 37. Any person who enjoys full rights of citizenship and who has attained the age of forty years may be elected President. A person with dual citizenship may not be elected President.
Electoral Law: Article 9: (1) A list of candidates may be submitted:
1) by a legally registered political party;
2) by a legally registered association of political parties.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 37: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014);
Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 9 (1): http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
c . Indirect
Comments: Law on Financing: Section 2. Sources of Financing
(1) Political organisations (parties) may be financed by:
1) membership fees and joining fees;
2) gifts (donations) from natural persons;
3) the income earned by economic activities of the relevant political organisation (party); and/or
4) other sources of financing, except by those prohibited to finance political
organisations (parties) by law.
Law on Pre-election Campaign: Section 2: (1) Candidates who are in a list of candidates of the same title have the right to use the broadcasting time of the Latvian Radio and Latvian Television for pre-election campaign free of charge in accordance with the procedures and the amount stipulated in this Law if they have submitted a statement regarding the submission of the list of candidates at least 40 days before the election day.
Source: Law: Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties) as amended on 25 September 2008, sec. 2(1).
Law: Law on Pre-election Campaign Before the Saeima Elections and Elections to the European Parliament as amended till 15 January 2009, sec. 2(1).
Verified: 2014/10/03
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
a . Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance
Comments: Section 5: (1) Candidates who are in the list of candidates of the same title have the right to use the following free of charge for pre-election campaign in the Latvian Radio and Latvian Television:
1) 10 minutes during the time period from the 29th day until the 8th day before the election day; and
2) 10 minutes during the time period from the 7th day until the penultimate day before the election day.
(11) In the case referred to in Section 2, Paragraph four of this Law candidates who are in the list of candidates of the same title have the right to use free of charge 10 minutes during the time period from the 7th day until the penultimate day before the election day for pre-election campaign in the Latvian Radio and Latvian Television.
(2) The candidates who are in the respective list of candidates may use the free of charge broadcasting time provided for in Paragraph one of this Section at their discretion.
Source: Law: Law on Pre-election Campaign Before the Saeima Elections and Elections to the European Parliament as amended till 15 January 2009, sec. 5.
Verified: 2014/10/03
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Section 2. Sources of Financing
(1) Political organisations (parties) may be financed by:
1) membership fees and joining fees;
2) gifts (donations) from natural persons;
3) the income earned by economic activities of the relevant political organisation(party); and/or
4) other sources of financing, except by those prohibited to finance political
organisations (parties) by law.
Source: Law: Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties) as amended on 25 September 2008, sec. 2(1).
Verified: 2014/10/03
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: Article 29: (1) The preliminary counting of votes shall start immediately after the polling stations have closed. Votes shall be counted at an open meeting of the polling station commission.
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 29: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
b . Always recounted
Comments: Article 33: (6) The valid ballot papers shall be grouped according to the names of the lists of candidates. Then the votes cast for each list of candidates shall be counted.
(7) After the votes cast for each list of candidates have been counted, the polling station commission, in accordance with the procedure set by the Central Election Commission, shall promptly announce the number of votes cast for each list of candidates.
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 33 (6-7): http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
Media and Elections
ME009
Question: In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
Answer(s):
b . Private radio d . Private television e . Print media
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/29
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
g . Other (specify)
Comments: Section 2: (1) Candidates who are in a list of candidates of the same title have the right to use the broadcasting time of the Latvian Radio and Latvian Television for pre-election campaign free of charge in accordance with the procedures and the amount stipulated in this Law if they have submitted a statement regarding the submission of the list of candidates at least 40 days before the election day.
(2) Within the meaning of this Law, a pre-election campaign shall be the advertising of any political organisation, association of political organisations or any deputy candidate in mass media or otherwise if it contains a direct or indirect invitation to vote for or against any political organisation, association of political organisations or any deputy candidate.
Source: Law on Pre-election Campaign Before the Saeima Elections and Elections to the European Parliament as amended on 15 January 2009, sec. 2(1) & (2).
Verified: 2014/10/03
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: Public TV LTV1 provided an overall balanced coverage of the main contestants, and was largely in a neutral tone in its news, current affairs’ programmes and debates.LTV1 fulfilled its obligation to provide political parties with free airtime31 and organized nine election debates, three of them with all 13 contenders.
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Final Report on Early Parliamentary Elections (17 September 2011)in Republic of Latvia. (Warsaw 19 December 2011): http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/Latvia/86363
Verified: 2014/10/03
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
a . 1 day
Comments: Section 14: It is prohibited to include the results of public opinion polls regarding popularity of political organisations, associations of political organisations or individual deputy candidates in programmes of broadcasting organisations on the election day until 10 o’clock in the evening.
Source: Law on Pre-election Campaign Before the Saeima Elections and Elections to the European Parliament as amended on 15 January 2009, sec. 14.
Verified: 2014/10/03
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2014/10/03
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution: Article 64. The Saeima, and also the people, have the right to legislate, in accordance with the procedures, and to the extent, provided for by this Constitution.
Law: Article 1: A national referendum shall be held if:
1) the Saeima has amended the first, second, third, fourth, sixth or seventy-seventh Article of the Constitution (Satversme);
2) the President of Latvia has proposed the dissolution of the Saeima;
3) the President of Latvia has suspended the proclamation of a law for two months, and during this period a petition by not fewer than one-tenth of the electorate has been received to put the suspended law to a national referendum;
4) 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;
5) membership of Latvia in the European Union must be decided;
6) 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.
Article 2: All citizens of Latvia who are eligible to vote in the Saeima elections may participate in national referendums and in initiating legislation.
Source: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 48, 50, 64, 68, 72, 74, 77-80: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014);
Law: Law on National Referendum and Initiation of Legislation as amended till 26 February 2009, art. 1-2.
Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2014/10/09
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Law: Article 1: A national referendum shall be held if:
1) the Saeima has amended the first, second, third, fourth, sixth or seventy-seventh Article of the Constitution (Satversme);
2) the President of Latvia has proposed the dissolution of the Saeima;
3) the President of Latvia has suspended the proclamation of a law for two months, and during this period a petition by not fewer than one-tenth of the electorate has been received to put the suspended law to a national referendum;
4) 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;
5) membership of Latvia in the European Union must be decided;
6) 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: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 48, 50, 68, 72, 74, 77-79: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014);
Law: Law on National Referendum and Initiation of Legislation as amended till 26 February 2009, art. 1.
Verified: 2014/10/09
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Law: Law on National Referendum and Initiation of Legislation as amended till 26 February 2009.
Verified: 2014/10/03
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 2: All citizens of Latvia who are eligible to vote in the Saeima elections may participate in national referendums and in initiating legislation.
Source: Law: Law on National Referendum and Initiation of Legislation as amended till 26 February 2009, art. 2, ch. 4.
Verified: 2014/10/09
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law: Law on National Referendum and Initiation of Legislation as amended till 26 February 2009, art. 1.
Verified: 2014/10/09
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2014/10/03
DD008
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD009
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD010
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD101
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD102
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
Answer:
b . Sample of signatures checked
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 7-12 and 22-25.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD103
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 7-12 and 22-25.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD104
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD105
Question: Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
Answer(s):
a . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 7-12 and 22-25.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD106
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
a . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD107
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
a . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD108
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD109
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD011
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22-25.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD110
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD111
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD112
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD113
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD114
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD115
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD118
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . No campaign organisations
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . No campaign organisations
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD012
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . No campaign organisations
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD121
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . None
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . None
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD123
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD125
Question: Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
Answer(s):
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD127
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
c . President d . Legislative majority e . Registered electors
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
c . President d . Legislature
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD033
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature e . Registered electors
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 1.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD035
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD036
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD037
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 3.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments:
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD042
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: No difference.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 2.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments:
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments:
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Legislative proposals
Comments:
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Legislative proposals
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22-25.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . A number of individuals
Comments: 10,000
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . A number of individuals c . Other (specify)
Comments: See previous question.
Source: Constitution, 1922; Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Proponents of the initiative
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994. article 22-25.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
a . Proponents of the initiative
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22-25.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Other (specify)
Comments: No such provisions are included in the Law.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: No such provisions are included in the law.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
a . An automatic check is part of the initiative process
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD057
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
Answer(s):
b . Independent electoral commission
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
d . Not at all
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD063
Question: Who decides the final ballot text?
Answer(s):
a . Proponents of the initiative b . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, article 22-25.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify)
Comments: See comments to the previous question.
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD076
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD077
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: 30 days.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 7-9 and 22-25.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD078
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: 30 days.
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 7-9 and 22-25.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD079
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD080
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD081
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
d . None
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22.; Saeima Election Law 1995, article 22.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD082
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
d . None
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994, article 22.; Saeima Election Law 1995, article 22.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD083
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD085
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD087
Question: Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD088
Question: Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD089
Question: Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD090
Question: Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD091
Question: Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD092
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD093
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD094
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD095
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD096
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/03/21
DD097
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law on National Referendums and Legislative Initiatives, 1994.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD098
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD099
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2006/03/07
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2014/10/03
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: Law: Article 1: A national referendum shall be held if:
1) the Saeima has amended the first, second, third, fourth, sixth or seventy-seventh Article of the Constitution (Satversme);
2) the President of Latvia has proposed the dissolution of the Saeima;
3) the President of Latvia has suspended the proclamation of a law for two months, and during this period a petition by not fewer than one-tenth of the electorate has been received to put the suspended law to a national referendum;
4) 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;
5) membership of Latvia in the European Union must be decided;
6) 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: Constitution: The Constitution of the Republic of Latvia as amended on 8 April 2009, art. 48, 50, 68, 72, 74, 77-80: http://legislationline.org/download/action/download/id/4777/file/Latvia_Constitution_am2009_en.pdf (2014);
Law: Law on National Referendum and Initiation of Legislation as amended till 26 February 2009, art. 1-2.
Verified: 2014/10/09
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2014/10/03
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections d . At specially designated polling stations 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: Law: Voters’ Register Law, adopted on January 22, 2004, art. 14.
Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 24, 25, 43, 45, 46: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 43: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates c . Special polling stations e . By mail f . Other
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: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 43: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: The Saeima Election Law as in force on 19 July 2014, art. 23: http://cvk.lv/pub/public/30870.html?doc_print=1 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
Forgot your password?
