Rinkēvičs urges voters to back parties they trust, whatever their size

Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs urged voters to choose the party they trust most, regardless of its size, LSM reported.

Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the United List, Rinkēvičs encouraged people to vote even if they felt disappointed with politics. He said voters should not be swayed by claims that supporting parties polling below the five percent threshold was pointless.

“It is important to give your vote to the party you trust most,” Rinkēvičs said. He added that higher turnout would give the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament, a stronger mandate to represent society and allow voters to hold their representatives accountable.

Kulbergs said people who vote and express their position have the right to criticise the Saeima, and urged people to take responsibility and make a choice. He particularly encouraged young people who will have their first opportunity to vote.

Officials said voters can already deposit their ballots for safekeeping and that the process is proceeding smoothly. They said the relevant services are monitoring it and cybersecurity has been extensively tested.

The 15th Saeima election is scheduled for Saturday, October 3. Polling stations will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and voters may cast ballots at any polling station. Ballots can be deposited for safekeeping at polling stations across Latvia from September 28 until election day.