Rinkēvičs calls record-low Saeima turnout alarming

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has called the record-low turnout in the 15th Saeima elections alarming, LSM reported. Just 51.81% of eligible voters took part.

Rinkēvičs thanked voters, election commission members and organisers, as well as those who ensured the vote took place safely and without disruption. He said improvements were needed, including to legislation, but described the election as a major and complex undertaking.

The president congratulated the political forces and candidates elected to the Saeima. He also thanked candidates who failed to win seats, saying they could develop their ideas and programmes and seek broader support in the next political cycle.

Rinkēvičs said low turnout could reflect a lack of faith in people’s ability to influence politics or dissatisfaction with the parties’ offers. He warned that disappointment and indifference threaten the foundations and future of democracy, and said politicians, experts and journalists should consider the issue. He expressed hope that the 15th Saeima would strengthen public trust in government and that more citizens would vote in the next parliamentary election.

A total of 807,067 people voted, according to Central Election Commission figures from all 1,059 polling stations. Preliminary results showed the United List alliance leading the election, with its leader, Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, at the top.