Latvian State Security Service (VDD) has compiled the information regarding the course of the 15th Saeima elections, and overall assesses the election process as calm.
During the elections, VDD was operating on high alert, inspecting polling stations throughout Latvia, monitoring information space, as well as implementing other measures aimed at identifying and preventing attempts to illegally influence the election results or conduct. VDD closely collaborated with the State Police, Corruption Prevention and Combatting Bureau, Central Election Commission and other institutions responsible for the conduct of elections.
During the pre-election period and the elections, VDD recorded a total of 44 so-called signals regarding potential violations related to the elections. 13 of them were obtained during the pre-election period, whereas 31 – on 3 October, the day of the elections.
Of the total number of identified signals, evaluation of 33 signals was within the competence of VDD. The majority of the received information was about possible illegal influencing of voters’ choices, in a part of cases – about the so-called vote buying. VDD has currently reviewed almost all of the signals, and so far no unlawful activities have been confirmed. At the same time, VDD continues to evaluate several individual cases.
As a result, VDD has received explanations and carried out preventive talks with several individuals, warning them of potential criminal liability in the event of criminal activity.
As for the remaining identified signals, the evaluation of which is under the purview of other institutions, VDD either solved them or submitted them for further evaluation according to jurisdiction. It is worth noting that the signals were not related to violations that could have a significant negative impact on the election process or prevent citizens from voting at the elections.
In comparison – following the 14th Saeima elections in October 2022, VDD had identified 70 signals regarding potential violations. Of these, the evaluation of almost 30 signals was under the purview of VDD, whereas the rest – within the jurisdiction of other institutions. Similarly to this year, VDD did not identify cases of vote buying or influencing the free choice of voters in other unlawful ways during the previous Saeima elections.
Similarly, during the pre-election period and on the day of the 15th Saeima elections, VDD did not identify systematic attempts by the aggressor state Russia or other states hostile towards Latvia to unlawfully interfere in the election process and influence its results.
As experience from previous elections has shown, it cannot be ruled out that VDD will also receive verifiable signals regarding possible violations related to the elections in the future.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo: VDD
