On 16 September, President Edgars Rinkēvičs chaired a meeting of the National Security Council at Riga Castle.
In view of the elections to the 15th Saeima of the Republic of Latvia, to be held on 3 October this year, the Council heard briefings from the Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Māris Zviedris, the Minister for Smart Administration and Regional Development, Edgars Tavars, the Director of the State Digital Development Agency, Valdis Pusvācietis, the Chairman of the Board of the state-owned company “Latvian State Radio and Television Centre”, Ģirts Ozols, and the Deputy Head of CERT.LV, Varis Teivāns, on security aspects of the election process. Baiba Bāne, State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Head of the inter-institutional working group, provided an update on the group’s work to date to prevent potential security threats to the democratic and fair conduct of elections to the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia.
The meeting focused primarily on the results of performance and security tests of digital platforms, as well as ensuring the continuity of operations of polling stations throughout Latvia. This included taking into account lessons learned regarding the provision of communications and power supply in the context of the aftermath of the storm on 22 August, as well as measures to be taken in the event of a potential airspace or other threats.
The Council concluded that preparations for the elections are proceeding according to the planned timetable and scope. The Council called on voters to familiarise themselves in good time with the latest information provided by the Central Election Commission, including the option of submitting their ballot paper in advance. This will be possible at polling stations from 28 September. Voters abroad will have the opportunity to cast their votes in person at Latvian diplomatic and consular missions and diaspora polling stations, or to apply for postal voting by 25 September.
The meeting of the National Security Council heard reports from state security institutions on the current situation.