Latvian lawmakers mark 104 years since first Saeima met

Latvian lawmakers marked the 104th anniversary of the first Saeima’s inaugural session by laying flowers at the Freedom Monument on November 6, LSM reported. The parliament first met on November 7, 1922, beginning a new period in Latvia’s political life.

The Constitution, adopted by the Constitutional Assembly in February 1922, also took effect when the Saeima convened.

More than 800,000 eligible voters took part in the first Saeima election, a turnout of 82.2%. Eighty-eight lists competed for 100 seats, and 46 won representation. The first session included 20 parliamentary factions.

Women had the right to vote and stand for election, but none was elected to the first Saeima. The 100 representatives worked to build state institutions, pass laws and strengthen the foundations of an independent democratic state.

The Constitution remains the foundation of the Latvian state. The principle that state power belongs to the people and is exercised through representatives elected in democratic elections also remains unchanged, LSM reported.