Latvia is a country located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It operates as a parliamentary republic. Here is some information about the election system in Latvia:
- Parliament: The Parliament of Latvia is the country’s legislative body. It is known as the Saeima and is a unicameral institution. The Saeima consists of 100 members who are elected by proportional representation.
- Electoral System: Latvia uses a proportional representation system to elect members of the Saeima. The country is divided into five electoral constituencies, and each constituency is allocated a certain number of seats based on its population. Political parties nominate candidates for the elections, and voters cast their votes for party lists rather than individual candidates.
- Voter Eligibility: Latvian citizens who are at least 18 years old have the right to vote in parliamentary elections. Citizens residing outside of Latvia also have the right to vote if they are registered in the Register of Voters maintained by the Central Election Commission. Voter registration is required to participate in elections.
- Political Parties: Latvia has a multi-party system, with various political parties participating in elections. Some of the major political parties in Latvia include the New Unity, Harmony, Development/For!, and the National Alliance, among others. Parties need to surpass a certain threshold of the total votes cast to secure seats in the Saeima.
- President: The President of Latvia is the head of state and is elected by the Saeima. The President serves as the ceremonial representative of the country and has limited executive powers.
- Local Elections: In addition to parliamentary elections, Latvia also holds elections for local government bodies. These elections allow citizens to elect their representatives at the municipal level, who are responsible for local governance and decision-making.
