Exit poll shows the victory of the United List in Latvia, the lowest turnout in history

The results of an exit poll conducted by the Latvian public broadcaster LSM show that the centrist ruling party United List wins with 35.6 percent. votes. In second place is the right-wing populist Latvia in First Place (LPV) with 11.3 percent.

People voted for security, said Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs in the evening program of LTV television, commenting on the exit poll results. The head of the Latvian government admitted that voters have great trust in him and at the same time wonder what kind of country their children will live in.

The politician took office about four months before the elections after the government of Evika Silina collapsed following the incident with Ukrainian drones that invaded Latvian space.

Her centrist New Unity (JV) party - according to a poll published after the polls closed - would collect only 6.7 percent. votes. A total of six parties could enter parliament.

The lowest turnout in history

Preliminary data from the National Electoral Commission (CKV) show that the turnout in Saturday's vote was 50.81%. (data from 995 polling stations out of 1,059 polling stations), which is the lowest result in the history of elections in Latvia. The fewest people voted in the capital Riga and the eastern region of Latgale (43.7 and 47.1 percent, respectively).

On LTV's election night, it was emphasized that Kulbergs would have to create a broad coalition. Currently, the government consists of four parties.

The current head of the Ministry of Interior, Janis Dombrava, admitted that it is still too early to share positions, but - as he emphasized - a stable and functioning government is better for the country than chaos. His National Union (NA) party, according to the exit poll, would gain 8.7 percent. Another coalition partner, the Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS), would not enter the Sejm, gaining only 3.7 percent. support.

Kulbergs, who has experience in business and the automotive industry, after becoming prime minister, focused the work of the council of ministers on budget issues and reducing expenses, as well as on the restructuring of the national air carrier airBaltic and the completion (with greater savings) of the Rail Baltica railway project, which had previously had the biggest financial problems. In foreign policy, he assured to maintain support for Ukraine.

Latvians could vote at any polling place

1,428 candidates from 14 parties ran in the elections to the unicameral Parliament of Latvia, consisting of 100 members.

All polling stations opened at 8:00 and closed at 20:00 local time (7:00-19:00 Polish time), after which the manual counting of votes began.

You could vote at any of the 933 polling stations in the country, regardless of your place of residence.