Latvian security service checks reports of vote buying

Latvia’s State Security Service has received reports of possible vote buying and other attempts to influence voters, but has not confirmed any illegal activity so far, LSM reported.

The service is operating at heightened capacity on the day of the 15th Saeima elections to identify and prevent unlawful attempts to influence the result in favour of a political party or candidate.

By 9am on election day, the service had recorded 13 reports of possible illegal activity that could affect the vote. Some of the information has been checked, with no wrongdoing confirmed; investigations into other reports are continuing.

The service said it had not identified direct attempts by Russia or other hostile states to interfere unlawfully in the election or influence its result. It has, however, identified several suspected disinformation attempts concerning the election and political parties that oppose Russian aggression and support Ukraine. Possible links to Russia are still being assessed.

The service urged voters to report offers of money or other material or non-material benefits in exchange for a vote, as well as attempts to restrict free choice through threats or violence.