On 22 July, President Edgars Rinkēvičs met with the Chair of the Central Election Commission, Māris Zviedris, at Riga Castle. During the meeting, they discussed preparations for the 15th Saeima elections.
The Chair of the Central Election Commission briefed the President on the submission of candidate lists by political parties and party alliances, which concluded on 5 July, as well as on the next steps leading up to polling day on 3 October. These include measures to make voting more convenient and accessible for Latvian citizens residing abroad.
The President and the Chair of the Central Election Commission agreed that ensuring the secure conduct of the elections in all electoral districts across Latvia and at polling stations abroad requires not only the reliable operation of election platforms, but also effective public information, as well as the training and preparedness of polling station staff.
“Given the current geopolitical situation, various scenarios cannot be ruled out. Through close inter-institutional cooperation, clear procedures must be in place to ensure the uninterrupted conduct of the elections. The proposals to amend the Saeima Election Law, enabling polling station opening hours to be adjusted if necessary, are a welcome step,” emphasised E. Rinkēvičs. The President also noted that matters relating to the conduct of the elections will continue to remain on the agenda of the National Security Council.
