Helme warns Madise candidacy could trigger court challenge

Martin Helme, leader of the opposition Estonian Conservative People’s Party, or EKRE, said the party would not support Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise as a presidential candidate, warning that her role could create a conflict of interest and lead to the election result being challenged in court, ERR reported.

“Ülle Madise has effectively declared herself a presidential candidate by seeking support from parties in the Riigikogu, Estonia’s parliament,” Helme wrote on social media. “She does not have that support, because at least our party does not support her election.”

Helme said Madise faced a serious conflict of interest because she was seeking support from all parties while serving as the official who supervises the parliament’s work.

He also criticised Madise for avoiding a direct debate and public scrutiny by not formally presenting herself as a candidate. According to Helme, she had repeatedly declined to say that she was not running or interested in running, while continuing to indicate that she would consider the presidency if she had sufficient support.

“Such a game allows her to emerge as a candidate at the last minute, assuming the votes are already secured,” Helme said, describing the approach as contrary to basic democratic principles.

Helme said EKRE was the only party to have approached the presidential election seriously and professionally, as well as with respect for voters. He reiterated the party’s support for Mart Helme, whom it nominated in the spring.

Kristina Kallas, leader of Estonia 200, said on Thursday that Madise currently had the support of 67 members of the Riigikogu. Züleyxa Izmailova, who left Estonia 200 and joined the Social Democrats, does not support Madise, however. Izmailova told ERR that the election would be conducted by secret ballot and that it would not depend on her vote.

The Riigikogu’s elders’ council will discuss the presidential election on Tuesday.

At least 21 votes are required to nominate a presidential candidate in the Riigikogu. A candidate needs at least 68 votes to be elected by parliament.

Candidates can be nominated from August 21 to 24. The first round of voting in the Riigikogu is scheduled for September 2, with a second and third round possible on September 3.