Polls open in Latvia's parliamentary election
The governing United List party is leading Latvia's parliamentary elections according to exit polls, though it may fall short of a majority. Nearly 800,000 citizens voted with a turnout of 51.8 percent in the 11th election since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The vote occurred amid heightened concerns over Russian hybrid attacks, drone incursions, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, alongside domestic pressures regarding the rising cost of living. Pro-Ukrainian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is expected to retain power.
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- ✓ Approximately 1.5 million people were eligible to vote in the parliamentary election.
- ✓ The United List party led in exit polls.
- ✓ This is the 11th parliamentary election since Latvia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
- ✓ Voter turnout was 51.8 percent with nearly 800,000 people voting.
What changed
Exit polls indicate the ruling United List party is ahead but lacks a majority.
Live updates
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United List leads Latvia parliamentary election as security fears loom
The governing United List party is leading Latvia's parliamentary elections according to exit polls, though it may fall short of a majority. Nearly 800,000 citizens voted with a turnout of 51.8 percent in the 11th election since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The vote occurred amid heightened concerns over Russian hybrid attacks, drone incursions, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, alongside domestic pressures regarding the rising cost of living. Pro-Ukrainian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is expected to retain power.
Why it matters
Latvia faces significant regional security threats and a perceived risk from political parties close to Russia. This election determines the legislative direction for a nation balancing Ukraine aid with internal economic instability.
What is confirmed
- Approximately 1.5 million people were eligible to vote in the parliamentary election.
- The United List party led in exit polls.
- This is the 11th parliamentary election since Latvia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
- Voter turnout was 51.8 percent with nearly 800,000 people voting.
Still unconfirmed
- Vote counters in Riga were unable to open electoral envelopes for four hours after voting ended due to a lack of instructions from the Central Election Commission.
- Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs is likely to hold on to power.
- The Premier's party is set to win the election but will be short of a majority.
What to watch next
- Official certification of final vote counts by the Central Election Commission
- Formation of a coalition government if the United List lacks a majority
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (18)
- dw.com — Latvians head to the parliamentary elections with Russia on their minds
- Reuters — Latvians vote in election in shadow of drone incursions and war in Ukraine
- politico.eu — Latvian PM faces bittersweet victory in election backdropped by Russia
- Al Jazeera — Polls open in Latvia against backdrop of perceived Russia threat
- Euronews.com — Polls open in Latvia's parliamentary election
- AP News — Latvians vote for a new parliament as fears of Russian hybrid attacks loom
- www.euronews.com — Latvians head to the polls amid concerns over rising cost of living and Russia
- lemonde.fr — In Latvia, the rise of political parties close to Russia sparks concern ahead of parliamentary elections
- Bloomberg.com — Latvian Premier’s Party Set to Win Election, Short of Majority
- Reuters — Latvia PM's United List ahead in election, exit poll shows
- www.aljazeera.com — Polls open in Latvia against backdrop of perceived Russia threat | Elections News
- www.inquirer.com — On Latvia’s election day, voters from Philly cast their ballots at a cherished Northern Liberties cultu....
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