Latvia votes in parliamentary election amid Russian hybrid warfare concerns
Latvia held elections on Saturday for all 100 seats of its parliament, the Saeima, as security threats from Russia intensified. Exit polls showed the centrist United List, led by incumbent Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, leading the vote, followed by the right-wing Latvia First and left-wing Progressives. The election took place against a backdrop of increased Russian drone incursions and hybrid warfare incidents linked to Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
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Latvia conducted parliamentary elections on Saturday to elect all 100 members of the Saeima amid heightened security concerns stemming from Russia's war in Ukraine. According to Reuters, the Baltic state experienced a notable increase in airspace incursions and hybrid warfare incidents in the period leading up to the vote, substantially raising the political stakes of the contest.
Exit polls indicated that the centrist United List, headed by incumbent Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, secured the strongest support. The right-wing Latvia First party was projected to finish in second place, with the left-wing Progressives in third, based on exit poll data reported by Reuters.
The election occurred as NATO's eastern member states, including Latvia, have become increasingly vigilant about Russian military activity near their borders and persistent reports of drone incursions into their airspace. These security concerns have dominated the election campaign and are anticipated to significantly influence the composition of Latvia's next government. The results reflect growing public attention to defence and national security issues amid regional tensions.
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