Latvian State Security Service (VDD) in cooperation with other institutions monitors the European Parliament (EP) elections in Latvia in order to prevent threats to their democratic and fair course.
At this moment, VDD has not detected direct attempts by the aggressor state Russia or other countries to unlawfully interfere in the course of EP elections and influence their outcome in Latvia. Nor has VDD identified the so-called vote buying cases or preparation for such activities.
VDD reiterates that knowingly committing hindrance of exercising the right to freely elect the members of the EP or to be elected is subject to criminal liability. It is forbidden to influence the voters’ freedom of choice by using violence, fraud, threats, bribery or other illegal means. Likewise, deliberate miscounting of votes, as well as deliberate violation of secret ballot committed by a public official or a member of the Election Committee is subject to criminal liability.
VDD calls on the public to provide information about possible so-called vote buying cases, when payment or other material or immaterial benefits are promised for voting for a specific political force or candidate. In addition, VDD calls to inform about attempts to influence the freedom of choice violently or in other illegal ways. We encourage you to inform VDD about deliberate creation and distribution of false discrediting information about a political force or candidate using deep fake technology. You are also invited to contact the Service if you receive information about deliberate miscounting of votes in favour of a party or candidate, or about the failure to ensure secret ballot in a polling station. VDD can be contacted 24/7 over the phone +371 6720 8964 or by email info(abols)vdd.gov.lv.
When noticing possible criminal offenses during the EP elections, please try to obtain, as far as possible, the most extensive and accurate information about the incident, as well as record the potential violation in photo, video or audio format. VDD guarantees the source confidentiality.
Any unauthorized campaigning in the urban areas on the election day or the day before should be reported to the State Police by calling the 24/7 telephone number 110 or writing to the e-mail address vpdd(abols)vp.gov.lv. During the said period, it is prohibited to distribute leaflets promoting a political force or candidate, as well as to campaign next to polling stations etc. We invite you to inform the State Police also about the pre-election advertising materials in the urban areas that have not been timely removed. Finally, please report to the State Police public order violations at the polling stations or in their vicinity.
We encourage you to report to Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) about covert pre-election campaigning on the Internet, in press publications or in public places, i.e. political advertising without a specified financier. Information on the possible use of the administrative resources of state and municipal institutions for campaigning should also be provided to KNAB for further evaluation. You can contact KNAB by calling 8000 2070, via the mobile app "Ziņo KNAB!" or by writing to the e-mail address pasts(abols)knab.gov.lv.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo by VDD
