On 5 December 2025, Latvian State Security Service (VDD) asked the Prosecution Office to initiate criminal prosecution against four Latvian citizens for the so-called vote-buying during this year’s municipal elections in Jēkabpils municipality.
The criminal case was initiated by the State Police on the election day – 7 June, on grounds of suspicion of unlawful influencing of voters’ choice. Shortly after that, however, VDD overtook the investigation in this case in accordance with its jurisdiction.
During the investigation, VDD established that four persons were involved in the vote-buying in Jēkabpils municipality, including a candidate of a particular political party. The aforementioned candidate, acting as part of an organised group, bribed residents of Jēkabpils municipality to vote for him and the political party he represents. The other individuals involved in the vote-buying, however, sought out residents of Jēkabpils municipality who would be willing to vote for the candidate in exchange for payment, and organised their transportation to the polling stations.
It should be noted that this particular candidate was not elected in Jēkabpils Municipality Council.
VDD incriminates the persons for crimes stipulated in Section 90 Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Law, i.e., deliberate hindrance of freely exercising the right to vote.
VDD reminds that no person shall be considered guilty until the guilt of such person has been determined in accordance with the procedures laid down in law.
Information prepared by VDD
Illustrative photo: VDD
