Turnout in Latvia’s 15th Saeima election falls to record low

At least 790,000 people, or 50.81% of eligible voters, took part in Latvia’s 15th Saeima election, the lowest turnout in the country’s parliamentary election history, LSM reported, citing Central Election Commission data from 995 of 1,059 polling stations.

At least 600,000 voters cast ballots at polling stations, 14,000 voted from their location and 169,600 cast ballots in advance. Another 4,907 people had registered to vote by post from abroad. Some overseas ballots had yet to be counted.

Vidzeme had the highest regional turnout, at 59.07%, followed by Kurzeme at 55.12%, Zemgale at 54.69%, Latgale at 47.12% and Riga at 43.31%. Mārupes municipality recorded the highest turnout among municipalities, while Rēzekne municipality had the lowest.

Voting was still under way at some polling stations abroad, with results expected on Sunday morning. The last station to open was due to begin voting in Los Angeles at 6 a.m. Latvian time on Sunday.

The previous lowest turnout in a Saeima election was 54.6% in the 13th election. Turnout was 59.43% in the 14th election and 58.78% in the 12th.