Current Latvia

THEME IN FOCUS: Parliamentary Elections

No. 28, 25 November 2002

EVENTS

• Central Election Commission announces final results of 8^th Saeima elections
• Verified Latvian parliamentary election results see change in number of seats for two parties
• 8^th Saeima elects Presidium with Ingrida Udre as Speaker
• Parliament of Latvia approves Cabinet of Ministers headed by Einars Repse
• Saeima approves two more ministers to the new Latvian government
• Inese Vaidere elected Chairperson of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee
• European Affairs Committee to be headed by Guntars Krasts

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• Contact information
• Useful links

EVENTS

Central Election Commission announces final results of 8^th Saeima elections

On 22 October 2002 the Central Election Commission approved the final results of elections to the 8^th Saeima (the Parliament of Latvia).

Verification of the voting protocols of the 8^th Saeima elections revealed that a total of 997 754 voters or 71.51% of the electorate participated in the elections. Voter turnout in Latvia was 72.50%, abroad - 25.44%.

Six political parties or unions of political parties exceeded the 5% threshold of voter support necessary for entering the 8^th Saeima, and they have received the following number of seats in the Parliament:

New Era - 26 seats;
For Human Rights in a United Latvia - 25 seats;
People's Party - 20 seats;
Union of Greens and Farmers - 12 seats;
Latvia's First Party - 10 seats;
For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK - 7 seats.

The following deputies have been elected to the 8^th Saeima:

New Era

	Name	Points	Electoral District
1	Mr Valdis Dombrovskis	78060	Riga
2	Ms Ina Druviete	79896	Riga
3	Mr Maris Gulbis	84013	Riga
4	Mr Aigars Petersons	77227	Riga
5	Mr Einars Repse	110911	Riga
6	Ms Inguna Ribena	81218	Riga
7	Mr Karlis Sadurskis	78157	Riga
8	Mr Karlis Strelis	76713	Riga
9	Mr Arturs Krisjanis Karins	76380	Vidzeme
10	Mr Uldis Martins Klauss	75190	Vidzeme
11	Mr Alberts Krumins	75163	Vidzeme
12	Mr Ainars Latkovskis	76012	Vidzeme
13	Ms Liene Liepina	74811	Vidzeme
14	Mr Peteris Ontuzans	75883	Vidzeme
15	Mr Viesturs Silins	74788	Vidzeme
16	Ms Ausma Ziedone-Kantane	79137	Vidzeme
17	Ms Sarmite Kikuste	16008	Latgale
18	Ms Inara Ostrovska	16049	Latgale
19	Ms Silva Bendrate	38732	Kurzeme
20	Ms Ingrida Circene	38742	Kurzeme
21	Mr Edgars Jaunups	38396	Kurzeme
22	Mr Andrejs Radzevics	37851	Kurzeme
23	Mr Artis Kampars	39231	Zemgale
24	Ms Linda Murniece	38964	Zemgale
25	Mr Janis Reirs	39144	Zemgale
26	Mr Dzintars Zakis	39005	Zemgale

For Human Rights in a United Latvia

	Name	Points	Electoral District
1	Mr Vladimirs Buzajevs	96747	Riga
2	Mr Boriss Cilevics	99729	Riga
3	Mr Janis Jurkans	126117	Riga
4	Mr Nikolajs Kabanovs	97687	Riga
5	Mr Valerijs Karpuskins	95320	Riga
6	Mr Andrejs Klementjevs	97502	Riga
7	Mr Jakovs Pliners	98273	Riga
8	Mr Juris Sokolovskis	95815	Riga
9	Mr Dainis Turlais	99114	Riga
10	Mr Janis Urbanovics	94624	Riga
11	Mr Olegs Denisovs	25013	Vidzeme
12	Mr Igors Solovjovs	24452	Vidzeme
13	Mr Andris Tolmacovs	24634	Vidzeme
14	Mr Aleksandrs Bartasevics	68646	Latgale
15	Mr Martijans Bekasovs	66627	Latgale
16	Mr Sergejs Fjodorovs	65853	Latgale
17	Mr Aleksandrs Golubovs	66494	Latgale
18	Mr Anatolijs Mackevics	65356	Latgale
19	Mr Pavels Maksimovs	66383	Latgale
20	Mr Ivans Ribakovs	67554	Latgale
21	Mr Vjaceslavs Stepanenko	67320	Latgale
22	Mr Aleksejs Vidavskis	66572	Latgale
23	Mr Valerijs Agesins	9957	Kurzeme
24	Mr Andrejs Aleksejevs	15093	Zemgale
25	Mr Vitalijs Orlovs	15264	Zemgale

People's Party

	Name	Points	Electoral District
1	Mr Gundars Berzins	35518	Riga
2	Mr Aigars Kalvitis	33208	Riga
3	Mr Aleksandrs Kirsteins	33425	Riga
4	Mr Rihards Piks	33868	Riga
5	Mr Andris Argalis	67559	Vidzeme
6	Mr Juris Dalbins	63030	Vidzeme
7	Mr Raimonds Pauls	65661	Vidzeme
8	Mr Mareks Seglins	63658	Vidzeme
9	Mr Andris Skele	82070	Vidzeme
10	Mr Atis Slakteris	63833	Vidzeme
11	Ms Anta Rugate	12604	Latgale
12	Ms Elita Snepste	12262	Latgale
13	Mr Dzintars Abikis	37749	Kurzeme
14	Ms Silva Golde	38254	Kurzeme
15	Mr Janis Lagzdins	39979	Kurzeme
16	Ms Vineta Muizniece	37007	Kurzeme
17	Mr Janis Esta	30278	Zemgale
18	Mr Mihails Pietkevics	29759	Zemgale
19	Ms Erika Zommere	30199	Zemgale
20	Mr Eriks Zunda	30240	Zemgale

Union of Greens and Farmers

	Name	Points	Electoral District
1	Mr Janis Strazdins	17130	Riga
2	Mr Arvids Ulme	16654	Riga
3	Mr Vilnis-Edvins Bresis	34709	Vidzeme
4	Mr Indulis Emsis	34000	Vidzeme
5	Mr Andis Kaposts	33988	Vidzeme
6	Ms Ingrida Udre	37039	Vidzeme
7	Mr Vilis Kristopans	17819	Latgale
8	Mr Stanislavs Skesters	17676	Latgale
9	Mr Peteris Kalnins	15372	Kurzeme
10	Mr Leopolds Ozolins	15558	Kurzeme
11	Mr Andris Berzins	18568	Zemgale
12	Mr Augusts Brigmanis	19225	Zemgale

Latvia's First Party

	Name	Points	Electoral District
1	Mr Ainars Bastiks	24929	Riga
2	Mr Paulis Klavins	23235	Riga
3	Mr Eriks Jekabsons	36815	Vidzeme
4	Mr Oskars Kastens	34041	Vidzeme
5	Mr Arnolds Laksa	31036	Vidzeme
6	Mr Andrejs Naglis	10781	Latgale
7	Ms Inese Slesere	19902	Kurzeme
8	Mr Ainars Slesers	20318	Kurzeme
9	Mr Krisjanis Peters	18504	Zemgale
10	Ms Jevgenija Stalidzane	18835	Zemgale

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK

	Name	Points	Electoral District
1	Mr Guntars Krasts	24328	Riga
2	Mr Roberts Zile	20943	Riga
3	Mr Girts-Valdis Kristovskis	18823	Vidzeme
4	Mr Janis Straume	18201	Vidzeme
5	Mr Peteris Tabuns	6881	Latgale
6	Mr Maris Grinblats	9052	Kurzeme
7	Ms Anna Seile	9572	Zemgale

Central Election Commission http://www.cvk.lv (22.10.2002)

Verified Latvian parliamentary election results see change in number of seats for two parties

On 22 October 2002 the Latvian Central Election Commission (CEC) made public official election results for the 8^th Saeima and said that no complaints have so far been received that could serve as grounds for contesting them. CEC Chairman Arnis Cimdars said the CEC has completed checks on protocols from all polling stations and there have been no big surprises while summarising official election results. However, the division of seats in the Saeima between the right-wing People's Party and the leftist block For Human Rights in a United Latvia has changed.

In comparison with provisional results, official results show that the People's Party has lost one seat to the leftist block, thus the People's Party is left with 20 seats in the 100-strong parliament, while the leftist block will have 25 seats. Arnis Cimdars said that several more mistakes were noticed during the summarising process and noted that this is why election results announced on election night cannot be considered as final.

BNS http://terminal.bns.lv (22.10.2002)

8^th Saeima elects Presidium with Ingrida Udre as Speaker

On its first sitting day on 5 November 2002, the 8^th Saeima elected its new Presidium. The Presidium of the 8^th Saeima is currently as follows:

- Speaker of the Saeima, Ms Ingrida Udre (Union of Greens and Farmers);
- Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, Mr Eriks Jekabsons (Latvia's First Party);
- Deputy Speaker of the Saeima, Mr Janis Straume (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK);
- Secretary of the Saeima, Mr Janis Reirs (New Era);
- Deputy Secretary of the Saeima, Mr Aleksandrs Bartasevics (For Human Rights in a United Latvia).

Saeima's Press Service http://www.saeima.lv (05.11.2002)

The Presidium of the Parliament: http://www.saeima.lv/deputati/1deputati_prezidijs.html

Parliament of Latvia approves Cabinet of Ministers headed by Einars Repse

On 7 November 2002 the 8^th Saeima of the Republic of Latvia voted to approve the new Cabinet of Ministers headed by Mr Einars Repse. The Government is made up of four parties - New Era, Latvia's First Party, the Union of Greens and Farmers and For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK. The Cabinet of Ministers presently is as follows:

- Prime Minister, Minister for Welfare Mr Einars Repse (New Era);
- Deputy Prime Minister Mr Ainars Slesers (Latvia's First Party);
- Minister for Agriculture Mr Martins Roze (Union of Greens and Farmers);
- Minister for Culture Ms Inguna Ribena (New Era);
- Minister for Defence Mr Girts Valdis Kristovskis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK);
- Minister for Economics Mr Juris Lujans (Latvia's First Party);
- Minister for Education and Science Mr Karlis Sadurskis (New Era);
- Minister for Environmental Protection and Regional Development Mr Raimonds Vejonis (Union of Greens and Farmers);
- Minister for Finance Mr Valdis Dombrovskis (New Era);
- Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Sandra Kalniete (nominated by New Era);
- Minister for Interior Mr Maris Gulbis (New Era);
- Minister for Justice Mr Aivars Aksenoks (New Era);
- Minister for Transport Mr Roberts Zile (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK);
- Minister for Special Assignments for Children and Family Affairs and for Integration Affairs Mr Ainars Bastiks (Latvia's First Party);
- Minister for Special Assignments for Health Affairs Mr Aris Auders (New Era);
- Minister for Special Assignments for Regional Development and Local Governments Mr Ivars Gaters (New Era).

State Chancellery http://www.mk.gov.lv (07.11.2002)

Curriculum Vitae of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia, Mr Einars Repse: http://www.mk.gov.lv/index.php/en/?id=1251

Saeima approves two more ministers to the new Latvian government

On 21 November 2002 the 8^th Saeima of the Republic of Latvia voted to approve the following additions and changes to the composition of the Cabinet of Ministers: Ms Dagnija Stake was appointed Minister for Welfare, Mr Nils Muiznieks - Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Affairs, and Mr Ainars Bastiks' portfolio responsibilities are now children and family affairs.

The Cabinet of Ministers presently is as follows:

- Prime Minister Mr Einars Repse (New Era);
- Deputy Prime Minister Mr Ainars Slesers (Latvia's First Party);
- Minister for Agriculture Mr Martins Roze (Union of Greens and Farmers);
- Minister for Culture Ms Inguna Ribena (New Era);
- Minister for Defence Mr Girts Valdis Kristovskis (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK);
- Minister for Economics Mr Juris Lujans (Latvia's First Party);
- Minister for Education and Science Mr Karlis Sadurskis (New Era);
- Minister for Environmental Protection and Regional Development Mr Raimonds Vejonis (Union of Greens and Farmers);
- Minister for Finance Mr Valdis Dombrovskis (New Era);
- Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Sandra Kalniete (nominated by New Era);
- Minister for Interior Mr Maris Gulbis (New Era);
- Minister for Justice Mr Aivars Aksenoks (New Era);
- Minister for Transport Mr Roberts Zile (For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK);
- Minister for Welfare Ms Dagnija Stake (Union of Greens and Farmers);
- Minister for Special Assignments for Children and Family Affairs Mr Ainars Bastiks (Latvia's First Party);
- Minister for Special Assignments for Health Affairs Mr Aris Auders (New Era);
- Minister for Special Assignments for Regional Development and Local Governments Mr Ivars Gaters (New Era);
- Minister for Special Assignments for Society Integration Affairs Mr Nils Muiznieks (nominated by Latvia's First Party).

State Chancellery http://www.mk.gov.lv (21.11.2002)

Inese Vaidere elected Chairperson of Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee

15.11.2002

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK) deputy Ms Inese Vaidere was elected Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee Chairperson at the committee's first session on 15 November 2002. Union of Greens and Farmers (ZZS) deputy Mr Leopolds Ozolins was elected Deputy Chairman, with New Era (JL) deputy Mr Guntis Berzins as Secretary.

The Saeima Foreign Affairs Committee was constituted on 14 November and its members are Ms Sarmite Kikuste, Mr Aigars Petersons and Mr Guntis Berzins (JL); Mr Janis Jurkans, Mr Nikolajs Kabanovs and Mr Igors Solovjovs (For Human Rights in a United Latvia); Mr Rihars Piks, Ms Silva Golde and Mr Aleksandrs Kirsteins (People's Party); Mr Leopolds Ozolins (ZZS); Mr Eriks Jekabsons (Latvia's First Party), and Inese Vaidere (TB/LNNK).

Foreign Affairs Committee of the Saeima: http://www.saeima.lv/pages/AK/

European Affairs Committee to be headed by Guntars Krasts

21.11.2002

For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK) deputy Mr Guntars Krasts was elected Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the Saeima at its first session on 21 November 2002. Latvia's First Party (LPP) deputy Mr Oskars Kastens was elected Deputy Chairman and New Era (JL) deputy Ms Liene Liepina as Secretary of the Committee.

The Saeima European Affairs Committee was constituted on 14 November with the following as members: Mr Arturs Krisjanis Karins, Mr Aldis Kuskis, Ms Liene Liepina and Ms Solvita Mellupe (JL); Mr Valerijs Agesins, Mr Boriss Cilevics, Mr Nikolajs Kabanovs and Mr Juris Sokolovskis (For Human Rights in a United Latvia); Ms Vineta Muizniece, Mr Rihards Piks and Mr Atis Slakteris (People's Party); Mr Oskars Kastens and Ms Inese Slesere (LPP); Mr Stanislavs Skesters and Ms Ingrida Udre (Union of Greens and Farmers), and Mr Guntars Krasts (TB/LNNK).

European Affairs Committee of the Saeima: http://www.saeima.lv/elk

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT INFORMATION

Central Election Commission
Address: Maza Troksnu 2, Riga, LV-1811
Telephone: (+371) 732 26 88, (+371) 708 73 40
Fax: (+371) 732 52 51
E-mail: cvk@saeima.lv
http://www.cvk.lv/ 


USEFUL LINKS

Saeima (the Parliament of Latvia): http://www.saeima.lv/
The Cabinet of Ministers: http://www.mk.gov.lv/
Declaration on the Intended Activities of the Cabinet of Ministers: http://www.mk.gov.lv/index.php/en/?id=1243