News

Parties violated spending caps, The Baltic Times (2007)

Latvia’s anti-corruption bureau (KNAB) found that during the 2006 parliamentary elections, parties violated spending regulations over the limits set according to the campaign financing law spending regulations.

OSCE wants minorities to partake in elections, New Europe (2008)

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, commended the Latvian authorities and national minority communities for taking a solution-oriented approach to tackling the country’s integration challenges.

Latvia's president seeks constitutional reform at parliament's expense (Daily News, 2010)

Latvian President Valdis Zatlers has announced his support of overhauling the presidential position’s powers and election process at the expense of the parliament.

Ainars Slesers nominated for prime minister in Latvia (The Baltic Course, 2010)

Ainars Slesers, the political association For A Good Latvia's official candidate for the prime minister, said addressing the association's meeting today that he would protect national interests of Latvia in talks with the International Monetary Fund and international lenders, and see to that more Latvian products and services be exported to not only Lithuania and Estonia but also to Germany, Scandinavia, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

Latvia: Ušakovs: PLL, Harmony Center coalition feasible (Baltic Reports, 2010)

Riga Mayor Nils Ušakovs indicated that despite acrimonious rhetorical attacks betweent the two parties ahead of the fall election, a coalition between the pro-business Par labu Latviju and Harmony Centers is possible. Photo by Andris Krieviņš/Riga Municipal Government.

Economic recovery at stake in Latvian elections (Deutsche Welle, 2010)

Latvia is just weeks away from its next general election. One of the key issues is the country's fledgling economic recovery. But the party that is leading in the opinion polls wants to forge closer ties with Russia.

Latvia: Game over for the ‘Wagon system’ in Saeima elections (The Baltic Times, 2010)

“In October of this year, the election system in Latvia for the first time will have a chance to prove its gains,” says political scientist Veiko Spolitis. Due to the action of the Electoral Reform Society, this will be the first year when candidates will be allowed to run only in one electoral district, says Spolitis. In all previous parliamentary elections, one candidate was able to run in all five election areas - Vidzeme, Zemgale, Kurzems, Latgale and Riga.

Latvia: Urbanovičs: no deal with Par labu Latviju (Baltic Reports, 2010)

Jānis Urbanovičs, Harmony Center’s prime minister candidate, downplayed suggestions that his party is planning on forming a government with the pro-business tandem For a Good Latvia (Par labu Latviju).

Latvian prime minister gets key EU backing for re-election (Earth Times, 2010)

International members of the European Parliament meeting in the Latvian capital signalled their support Thursday for Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis ahead of the country's October 2 general elections, praising his efforts to turn around the country's economy.

Foam bear nominated for Latvian parliamentary elections (RIA Novosti, 2010)

Latvia's Last Party that intends to run in the country's parliamentary elections on October 2 has put forward a foam bear as its candidate, the party's chairman said Tuesday.

A GIANT foam bear has been unveiled as a candidate to stand in Latvia's upcoming parliamentary elections, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported today (Herald Sun, 2010)

The 2m novelty figure has been nominated to represent the country's Last Party in the October 2 vote.

OSCE/ODIHR opens limited observation mission for Latvia's parliamentary elections (The FINANCIAL, 2010)

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on September 7 formally opened a limited observation mission to monitor the 2 October parliamentary elections in Latvia.

Latvia: Commission seeks volunteer monitors for Oct. 2 parliamentary election (Latvians Online, 2010)

In an effort to reduce doubts about how ballots are counted and whether voting results can be trusted, the Central Election Commission in Rīga is looking for volunteer monitors for Latvia’s parliamentary election set Oct. 2.

Latvia: HC dominates Riga pre-election polls (Baltic Times, 2010)

A recent poll in the Latvian capital of Riga has found that the left-leaning Harmony Center party is by far the most popular party ahead of national elections early next month.

Polling stations open for 10 days to help voters prepare for election (Latvians Online, 2010)

Polling stations across Latvia and in dozens of locations abroad open Sept. 22 to give voters an opportunity to familiarize themselves with candidate lists, party platforms and the balloting process, the Central Election Commission in Rīga has announced.

Latvia: Campaign splutters to finish line, but real issues must not be ignored (Latvians Online, 2010)

The upcoming Saeima election on Oct. 2 could be the most decisive in Latvia‘s history. For the first time there is a serious possibility that decidedly pro-Moscow parties could win a parliamentary election and be in the government. Other countries—Russia, in Europe, the United States—will be watching the results with far greater interest than in any previous election.

Tweeting for Votes in Latvia (Baltic Review, 2010)

The one thing you can’t say about voters in Latvia is that they lack for information. As we approach election day on October 2nd, Latvia’s 1,514,936 eligible voters have been talked at, written to, snail-mailed and e-mailed, pamphleted on the street, and proselytized on the airwaves. They’ve been told how to vote and who to vote for in every way imaginable, including many which didn’t exist just a few years ago.

ANALYSIS: Latvian discontent to shine through in weekend elections (The Baltic Times, 2010)

With less than one week left until national elections, Latvians are ready for a change in the way the country is run. A slew of recent pre-election polls all point to the same thing -- Latvians aren't happy with the behavior of their politicians. And they are ready to prove it at the ballot box.

Tweeting for Votes in Latvia (Baltic Review, 2010)

The one thing you can’t say about voters in Latvia is that they lack for information. As we approach election day on October 2nd, Latvia’s 1,514,936 eligible voters have been talked at, written to, snail-mailed and e-mailed, pamphleted on the street, and proselytized on the airwaves. They’ve been told how to vote and who to vote for in every way imaginable, including many which didn’t exist just a few years ago.

Latvia prepares for "most important vote since independence" (M&G News, 2010)

Citizens of Latvia go to the polls on October 2 to elect a new government against a backdrop of the deepest recession and highest unemployment in the European Union and the prospect of further cuts to pay back a 7.5-billion-euro (10-billion-dollar) loan from international lenders.

Latvia's ruling centre-right coalition wins elections (BBC, 2010)

Latvia's centre-right government has been returned to power for a third term, near-complete results show.

Latvian inmates vote in parliamentary elections for first time ever (RIA Novosti, 2010)

Latvian residents who are currently behind bars have for the first time ever obtained the right to vote in the country's parliamentary elections, the press service for the Latvian Penitentiary Service said.

"Unity" tops Latvian elections (The Baltic Times, 2010)

Latvia's centre-right "Untiy" ("Vienotība") voting block, made up largely of the current ruling coalition, has won the elections with over 30% of the vote.

Election victors look at coalition options (The Balitc Times, 2010)

"Unity" (Vienotiba), the winners of the weekend's elections in Latvia, have begun the long process of government formation now that the final make-up of the next parliament has been finalized. Unity will get 33 seats in the 10th Saeima, followed by "Harmony Center" with 29 seats and the "Greens/Farmers Union" with 22. "For A Good Latvia" and "All For Latvia-For Fatherland And Freedom/LNNK (VL-TB/LNNK)" will both take 8 seats.

Government coalition talks struggle on in Latvia (M&G, 2010)

Negotiations were continuing Tuesday in Latvia over the formation of a new government coalition - nearly three weeks after parliamentary elections gave a strong mandate to incumbent Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis.

Latvia`s PM urges nationalists to calm down (The Voice of Russia, 2010)

Latvia's Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis has demanded that nationalists stop calling for repatriation of the Russian-speaking citizens.

Latvian president moves to dissolve parliament in corruption row, Kyiv Post (2011)

The president of Latvia said on Saturday he would call a referendum on dissolving parliament because last week legislature blocked a lawmaker in a corruption probe.

Latvian President proposes dissolution of the parliament, BBN (2011)

Late in the evening of 28 May, the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers announced live on national TV that he is proposing the dissolution of the Latvian parliament Saeima, writes news2biz.

Not enough signatures collected for referendum on government's decision to freeze benefits in Latvia, The Baltic Course (2011)

Central Eelction Commission’s Chairman Arnis Cimdars announced not enough valid signatures were collected for the referendum. The voters would have voted for or against the suspension of amendments to three laws: Law on the Payment of State Benefits from 2009 to 2012, Law on Maternity and Sickness Insurance and the Law on Unemployment Insurance.

Referendum on Saeima to have record number of polling stations abroad, Latvians Online (2011)

The Latvian Central Election Commission announced that record number of polling stations abroad will operate July 23 for Latvian citizens to vote in a referendum that could result in dissolution of the parliament. If the referendum succeeds, the 10th Saeima will be dissolved and new elections will be called.

Latvia's new president takes oath of office, Associated Press (2011)

Latvia's new president was sworn in Friday at a time of political turmoil in the small Baltic country where voters could soon decide to dissolve Parliament.

Latvian political parties undergo major upheaval, The Baltic Times (2011)

Latvian party politics is going through a major upheaval in the lead up to this month's general referendum on the dissolution of parliament.

Latvia Voters May Dissolve Parliament, Bloomberg (2011)

Latvians will probably vote to dissolve parliament in a referendum on Saturday 23 July

30,000 Latvians in Ireland go to polls in referendum, Independent.ie (2011)

Thousands of Latvians living in Ireland go to the polls on Saturday for a referendum on their country's future.

Polling stations open in preparation for referendum on Saeima’s dismissal, Latvinas Online (2011)

Polling stations in Latvia and abroad began work July 13 in preparation for a referendum that could result in dismissal of the 10th Saeima.

Zatlers forms think tank as party gains momentum, The Baltic Times (2011)

Former Latvian President Valdis Zatlers has officially formed a "Reform Think Tank" to advise his newly formed party, the Reform Party, as it rockets in popularity.

Latvia Referendum Dissolves Parliament, Bloomberg (2011)

Latvians may elect a new premier to lead the country’s deficit-cutting government after a weekend referendum dissolved parliament and propelled a new party to the top of opinion polls.

Latvian Voters Back Dissolution Of Parliament To Combat Oligarchs, rferl (2011)

Results show that Latvians have overwhelmingly voted in favor of dissolving parliament in a bid to combat the power of oligarch businessmen.

Latvia:13 parties to vie for 11th Saeima, Latvians online (2011)

According to the Central Election Commission 13 different political parties or coalitions will be to vote on the forthcoming parliamentary elections on 17 September in Latvia. The order of lists was determined on 19 August in a drawing run by the election commission. Voters on 17 September will choose one list to vote for, and may promote or demote specific candidates on that list.

Latvia: OSCE/ODIHR opens limited observation mission for Latvian early parliamentary elections, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (2011)

The press release reports that the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights will take part in a limited observation mission in Latvia for the next elections to be held on September 17.

Latvia: Divided over corruption and Russia, The European Voice (2011)

The article discusses the central topics debated in the current election campaign. The author makes previsions on potential alliances between political parties and future government policy orientations.

Latvia: Time up for tycoons, The Economist (2011)

Opinioin on Latvian elections: the oligarchs' exit

Latvians Weary of Corruption to Oust Oligarchs, Bloomberg (2011)

Latvia is preparing to oust the “oligarchs” whose parties for a decade controlled swathes of parliament as voters in the Baltic region’s slowest-growing economy tire of corruption.

Take two – another cliffhanger in Latvia’s political melodrama, The Baltic Times (2011)

It seems like Latvians have taken the old political advice “vote early and vote often” to a new level. On Sept. 17 they will go to the polls to choose the 11th Saeima, less than a year after the previous elections

PREVIEW: Latvians to vote in early elections with open outcome, M&G (2011)

Economically troubled Latvia will on Saturday hold early parliamentary elections with an uncertain outcome.

Latvian voters connect with smart heads, UKauthorITy (2011)

The article treats of a new social media that was launched just before the 2010 scrutiny and used during the September 2011 elections to increase communication between the voters and the candidates. With this media, Latvian citizens can ask questions directly to politicians throughout their internet profiles. The author of the article reports that over 4000 questions were asked to politicians and about 3000 of the site users’ questions were answered.

Latvia election results: pro-Russia party wins most votes, say exit polls, Global Post (2011)

Exit polls show a pro-Russia party, the Harmony Center, set to win an election in Latvia.

Latvian parliamentary vote marked by pluralism and respect for fundamental freedoms, OSCE observers say, OSCE (2011)

Yesterday’s early parliamentary elections in Latvia took place in a democratic and pluralistic environment and were marked by the rule of law, respect of fundamental freedoms, and functioning democratic institutions, observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) concluded in a statement issued today.

“Russian” party Harmony Center wins parliamentary elections in Latvia, The Baltic Course (2011)

The article reports the results of the September 17 elections in Latvia. The pro-Russian party, Harmony Center, won over the Zatlers' Reform Party by 7.5% of the votes. It is very likely that parties will form a coalition since none of them obtained a majority of seats in the parliament.

Latvian parliamentary vote marked by pluralism and respect for fundamental freedoms, OSCE observers say, OSCE/ODIHR (2011)

The article discusses the statements made by the OSCE/ODIHR mission to the Latvian elections of September 17 regarding the electoral process and turnout of the scrutiny. According to the mission report, the elections respected the rule of law and were lead in a plural party environment.

Latvia forms a government, European Voice (2011)

Latvia's prime minister, Valdis Dombrovskis, today secured parliamentary support for his new three-party coalition, winning himself a third term as premier and a mandate to continue to cut spending.

Latvia vote poses question on Russian as EU language, euobserver (2012)

The debatable referendum on making Russian an official language in Latvia will be held on 18 February. After the results of referendum Riga might have to take steps at EU level to make Russian a fully-fledged official EU language.

Latvians Reject Russian As Second Language, rferl (2012)

The February 18 referendum became the most popular referendum in Latvian history. The majority of voters (75%) had rejected the plan to change the constitution and introduce Russian as an official second language in the country.

[···]

 

Date set for next local elections in Latvia, The Baltic Course (2012)

The Central Electoral Commission announced that the date for the next municipal elections in Latvia will be June 1, 2013.

[···]

 

[···]

 

Latvia: Berzins urges for calm on referendum issue, The Baltic Times (2012)

President of Latvia returned the project to amend the law on the initiation of referendum for reconsideration of Saeima. The new amendments would make the procedure of civil initiative much more difficult to go through.

[···]

 

Enough signatures for referendum on Latvian citizenship, ITAR-TASS Russian News Agency (2012)

Necessary amount of signatures were collected in Latvia to initiate the referendum in support of granting Latvian citizenship to all local non-citizens.

Latvia's ruling parties win election dominated by Russian issue, Reuters (2014)

While the Concord party supported by the ethnic Russian minority received the highest voter support in the 2014 parliamentary elections, the ruling coalition which comprises the Unity party, the center-right Unity of Greens and Farmers and the conservative National Alliance remains in power with 61 of the 100 seats in parliament.