(Election to the European Parliament : 12 June 2004)
1. LEGAL BASIS
European Parliament Elections Law (adopted 29.01.2004)
Voters Register Law (will apply from 05.02.2004)
2. ELECTORAL SYSTEM
Allocation of seats: Sainte-Laguë method
(division by successive odd numbers)
3. REGISTRATION OF CANDIDATES
Deadline for registration: 65 days
before EP elections.
Deposit: 1 000 LVL per political party (~ 1
300 EUR). Refunded if at least one MEP is elected.
Conditions:
Incompatibilities: State President,
Members of National parliament (Saeima), Members of the Cabinet of Ministers,
members of the cities councils, district councils or parishes councils can be
candidates. If elected, may choose whether to go at the EP or not.
4. POLLING DAY : 12 JUNE 2004 (from 0.00 until 10.00
pm)
Other elections on the same day: No
other elections on the same day
Polling hours: from 7 am until 10
pm.
The count begins: after closing of
polling stations (Saturday, 12.06.2004, after 10pm).
Final results: after closure of the
last polling station in the EU (Sunday 13.06).
5. VOTING / STANDING FOR ELECTION
Right to vote: over 18 years old.
Voting is not compulsory.
Voting by post: only for Latvians
living abroad.
Right to stand for election:
Citizen of the Republic of Latvia.
Citizen of European Union who is not citizen of the Republic of Latvia and
who lives in the Republic of Latvia.
Above 21 years old.
6. ELECTION CAMPAIGN
Funding: Limitations under examination
by the Saeima, but no law voted yet.
Official campaign starting date: there
is no official election campaign starting date.
Media access: Special rules under examination by the
Saeima, but no law voted yet.
Opinion polls: Special rules under
examination by the Saeima, but no law voted yet.