Latvia’s United List wins, but coalition talks remain

Latvia’s governing United List won the largest share of votes in the October 3 parliamentary election, strengthening Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs’s position but leaving his alliance short of a majority and dependent on coalition partners to govern. The Central Election Commission results reported after 97% of ballots had been counted gave United List 35.3% of the vote and 42 seats in the 100-seat Saeima, according to one tally. Another account reported 41 seats for the same vote share, and the available accounts do not reconcile the difference. The result nevertheless places United List clearly ahead of its rivals. Latvia First finished second with about 13% of the vote, while Sovereign Power placed third with about 11.7%, according to reported results. Sovereign Power opposes military aid to Ukraine. The National Alliance followed with 8.9%, while results for the Progressives varied between accounts and counting stages. United List did not win the 51 seats needed for a majority. Kulbergs will have to negotiate with other parties to form a government that can command confidence in parliament.