Latvian security service says election provocations remain possible

Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD) has no indications of planned provocations by Russia or Belarus during the 15th Saeima elections, but cannot rule them out, LSM reported.

The VDD is monitoring developments in society and the information environment before the election to identify and prevent attempts to unlawfully influence the vote or its results. During the election, it will work with the State Police and other national and local government institutions on increased security measures.

The service says Russia could intensify disinformation campaigns against political parties and candidates who strongly oppose Russian aggression and support Ukraine. It has not identified significant, systematic efforts by Russia or other hostile states to sway the election in favour of a particular party or candidate, but is assessing individual attempts to spread election-related disinformation.

The VDD also says provocations designed to attract attention and influence the election cannot be ruled out. It has not recorded attempts to unlawfully influence voters, including through vote-buying.

The service urges people to report offers of money or other benefits in exchange for votes, as well as attempts to influence voters through threats, violence or other unlawful means. It asks them to record as much detail as possible about what happened and who was involved.