Latvians voted on Saturday in a parliamentary election held amid growing concerns about possible Russian hybrid attacks and security on NATO’s eastern flank.
About 1.56 million eligible voters were able to choose all 100 members of Latvia’s Saeima. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs of the United List was seeking a full term in office.
According to the Associated Press, national security and the cost of living were among the main issues during the campaign. Latvia borders Russia and Belarus and strongly supports Ukraine. NATO temporarily strengthened protection of Latvian airspace during the election period, with Germany deploying four Eurofighter jets to Latvia.
Latvia’s State Security Service said, according to AP, that it had not detected any significant or systematic attempts by Russia or other actors to influence the election in favor of a particular party or candidate.
The election is also significant for the wider European security debate because Latvia is a member of both the EU and NATO and shares a border with Russia.
