Latvia: Exit polls show ruling party leading as populist party gains momentum

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1. 1h ago

   Latvian Ruling Party Wins Election

   Latvia's pro-European and pro-Ukraine United List party, led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, leads the parliamentary election with 35.4 percent of the vote, according to state TV results with over 99.9 percent of ballots counted. Exit polls and projections initially indicated support between 35 and 35.6 percent. The vote took place against the backdrop of Russia's war in Ukraine, drone incursions, hybrid attack fears, and voter concerns over the rising cost of living. Kulbergs is positioned to retain power and lead a pro-Ukraine coalition, though he faces the task of forming a new government.

   Why it matters

   This parliamentary election marks Latvia's 11th since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, with approximately 1.5 million people eligible to vote. The campaign centered heavily on security and perceived threats from Russia, shaping the political standing of the ruling centrist alliance. While the ruling party secured a wide margin of victory, potential coalition partners faltered as populist parties made gains during the election.

   What is confirmed

   • Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' United List party led the parliamentary election with 35.4 percent of the vote with more than 99.9 percent of ballots counted.
   • Public broadcaster LSM exit polling projected the centrist United List party to win the greatest number of seats with 35 to 35.6 percent support.
   • Some 1.5 million people were eligible to cast ballots in the parliamentary election, which is Latvia's 11th since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

   What to watch next

   • Final official certification of the vote count by election authorities
   • Coalition formation talks led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. dw.com — Latvians head to the parliamentary elections with Russia on their minds
   2. Reuters — Latvians vote in election in shadow of drone incursions and war in Ukraine
   3. Meduza — Russian-speaking Latvians who back Ukraine and value their language are heading into an election without an obvious political home
   4. politico.eu — Latvian PM faces bittersweet victory in election backdropped by Russia
   5. Al Jazeera — Polls open in Latvia against backdrop of perceived Russia threat
   6. Euronews.com — Polls open in Latvia's parliamentary election
   7. AP News — Latvians vote for a new parliament as fears of Russian hybrid attacks loom
   8. www.euronews.com — Latvians head to the polls amid concerns over rising cost of living and Russia
   9. Reuters — Latvia PM's United List ahead in election, exit poll shows
   10. dw.com — Latvia: Ruling party leads in exit polls amid populist gains
   11. LSM — Exit poll: Kulbergs and United List on track to be top dogs in Latvian election / Article
   12. Bloomberg.com — Latvian Leader Surges to Big Election Win as Russia Threats Rise
   confidence 95%