Voters in Latvia chose a new Saeima on Saturday. Exit polls cited by Reuters placed Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs's centrist United List ahead of Latvia First and the Progressives.
Latvians voted on Saturday for 100 seats in the Saeima, the national parliament, in an election held against a backdrop of reported airspace incidents and the war in Ukraine. Reuters reported that the vote was likely to keep pro-Ukrainian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs in a strong position, while a fragmented field could complicate coalition talks.
Exit polls cited by Reuters projected Kulbergs's centrist United List in first place, followed by the right-wing Latvia First and the left-wing Progressives. Official results were still to be confirmed after polls closed.
About 1,428 candidates were competing, according to a separate international roundup of the vote. Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. local time and were scheduled to close at 8 p.m.
Reuters framed the campaign around security concerns tied to drone incursions and hybrid pressure during the Russo-Ukrainian war. Kulbergs has led a government that has backed Ukraine.
A first-place finish in exit polls does not by itself produce a government. Parties will still need to assemble a majority in the 100-seat chamber once the count is certified.