Traffic light method helped Ilves win Estonia’s 2006 presidency

ERR is looking back at Estonia’s previous presidential elections ahead of the country’s eighth presidential vote this autumn. The 2006 election was ultimately decided in the electoral college after Toomas Hendrik Ilves failed to secure the required majority in parliamentary rounds.

Toivo Tootsen, Jaanus Männik and Randel Länts recall the key moments of the 2006 presidential election in ERR’s historical review.

As president, Arnold Rüütel had played an important role in Estonia’s accession to the European Union. He publicly supported membership and urged people to vote for it in the referendum held on September 4, 2003. His support was especially important in rural areas and among people who had initially been hesitant about joining the EU.

Political opponents from parties that had not supported Rüütel in the 2001 presidential election also praised him for this role. That did not mean, however, that they would support his re-election in 2006.

Rüütel understood that he had no chance of being elected by the Riigikogu, Estonia’s parliament, and therefore decided not to stand in the parliamentary rounds. He also did not take part in an ETV televised debate featuring the candidates nominated in parliament, Ene Ergma and Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

Members of the People’s Union and the Centre Party, which had supported Rüütel, did not take voting ballots. It was later speculated that they had feared some of their members might vote for Ilves in the secret ballot and secure his victory. As it turned out, just three or four additional votes would have been enough.

Members of the Pro Patria Union, Res Publica, the Reform Party and the Social Democratic Party took part in the voting.

There was only one candidate in each of the parliamentary rounds held on August 28 and 29. Ene Ergma stood in the first round, while Ilves was the sole candidate in the second and third rounds. Ergma received 65 votes in the first round, and Ilves received 64 votes in both the second and third rounds. A minimum of 68 votes was required, so the election moved to the electoral college.

On September 13, 2006, 80 prominent cultural figures published a statement supporting Ilves. The signatories included Jaan Kross, Viivi Luik, Arvo Pärt, Neeme Järvi, Ain Kaalep, Jaan Kaplinski, Olev Subbi, Enn Põldroos, Jüri Arrak, Erast Parmasto, Ita Ever, Kaljo Kiisk, Aarne Üksküla, Merle Karusoo, Mart Saarma, Fred Jüssi, Kuno Areng, Tõnis Mägi, Ellen Niit, Enn Soosaar, Doris Kareva, Jaak Jõerüüt and Riho Sibul. The aim was to encourage undecided electoral college members to support Ilves.

On the day of the electoral college vote, September 23, musicians supporting Ilves gathered outside the Estonia Theatre in Tallinn for a concert. They said the event was intended to appeal to the consciences of the electoral college members. Jaan Elgula led the concert, while Hannes Rumm, then deputy chairman of the Tallinn City Council’s Social Democratic Party faction, handled its organisation.

Tõnis Mägi, Ivo Linna, Riho Sibul, Mihkel Raud and others performed at the event. People who came to watch the concert and demonstration remained outside the Estonia Theatre until the election result was announced.

Ilves attended a rally in his support in Tammsaare Park with his brother Andres and son Luukas Kristjan. His then-wife Evelin and son Kristjan Luukas accompanied him to the electoral college. Hannes Rumm, Mart, the elder son of President Lennart Meri, Social Democratic Party leader Ivari Padar and others followed the events from several rows behind.