In the pre-election period, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) is closely monitoring developments in the information space and society to ensure a timely identification and prevention of unlawful efforts to influence the election process and its results.
Also during the elections, VDD, in close cooperation with State Police and other state and municipal authorities, will implement enhanced security measures to ensure a lawful voting process.
Within the scope of VDD’s competence is identifying and preventing both foreign and domestic risks to a democratic and fair process of election, such as so-called vote buying attempts.
Currently VDD has not identified direct and systematic attempts by Russia or other states hostile to Latvia to influence municipal election results for the benefit of a specific political party or a political candidate. Likewise, VDD has not received information regarding certain foreign or national citizens’ plans to organise provocations, e.g. demonstrative or provocative actions that aim to influence the voters’ decision, during the elections. And whilst currently there are no concrete indications of it, VDD assesses that such provocations during the elections cannot be ruled out entirely.
In the assessment of VDD, Russian information influence activities pose the biggest risks in the election period. To directly or indirectly influence public opinion and the outcome of elections, Russia can potentially intensify disinformation campaigns in Latvia’s information space that target political forces and candidates that stand against Russia’s aggression and support Ukraine.
During the pre-election period, VDD has obtained information of separate possible attempts at unlawfully influencing voters, including the so-called vote buying. So far, the received indications have not been confirmed, however several other cases are still being verified by the Service.
VDD urges every member of public to provide information about any cases where payments, or any other material or non-material goods are offered in exchange for a vote, or where threats, violence or other illegal methods are used to influence the freedom of choice. If such infringements are observed, the Service urges to record a detailed description about the nature of the infringement and the individuals involved. If possible, it is also crucial to record any such infringements in a visual or audio format (photos, videos, voice recordings). The Service also urges to note any information that can be used to identify the individuals – their name and surname, phone number or social media account, the number plate of their vehicle, etc.
You can provide any information of a potential infringement by e-mail to velesanas(abols)vdd.gov.lv, or by calling the Service’s 24-hour phone +371 6720 8964. VDD guarantees the confidentiality of the information and its source.
Meanwhile, VDD urges public to report any illegal agitations observed on 7 June, the day of the elections, or the day before to the State Police by calling the 24-hour phone 112, or by sending an e-mail to vpdd(abols)vp.gov.lv. On the aforementioned days, it is prohibited to hand out flyers of political parties or candidates, and any political agitations by polling stations. You are encouraged to inform the State Police for any political advertisements that have not been removed within the city. Public is also urged to report any civil disturbances at polling stations on in their vicinity to the State Police.
Members of the public are urged to report any covert pre-election agitations (political advertisements without a reference to the financer), such as those on the internet, in the press or in any public places, to Corruption Prevention and Combatting Bureau (KNAB). Information regarding potential use of state and municipal administrative resources are also to be reported to KNAB by calling 80002070, by using their mobile application "Ziņo KNAB!", or by sending an e-mail to pasts(abols)knab.gov.lv.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo, VDD
