Latvians are voting on Saturday to elect the country's next parliament, with 100 seats in the Saeima being contested for a four-year term.
Polling stations in Latvia and abroad are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. The election is being held through a proportional representation system across five electoral districts.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Latvia is holding its parliamentary election on October 3, 2026.
Voters are electing 100 members of the Saeima.
Fourteen candidate lists are contesting the election.
Polling stations are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
National security is a major issue amid regional tensions and Russia's war in Ukraine.
Rising living costs and economic concerns are also important election issues.
The election comes as security remains a major concern in the Baltic region. Latvia borders both Russia and Belarus and has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Concerns about drone incursions and the wider security situation linked to the war in Ukraine have featured prominently during the election campaign. At the same time, voters are also focused on domestic issues, including household costs, wages, healthcare and the country's economic outlook.
Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, who took office in May after the resignation of Evika Siliņa, is leading the government during the election. Latvia's parliament approved his cabinet on May 28.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Latvia is a member of both NATO and the European Union and is located on the alliance's eastern flank, bordering Russia and Belarus. The election therefore has significance not only for Latvia's domestic policies but also for its approach to regional security, defence and relations with Ukraine and the wider European security environment. At the domestic level, economic pressures and living costs are also influencing the political debate, alongside concerns about healthcare and other public services.
Latvia's political system has traditionally involved coalition governments, meaning the distribution of seats among the parties will be important in determining the composition of the next government.
