Making a choice in an election is certainly not easy, but it is always possible to find a party that feels closer to your values, President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs told journalists on Saturday after casting his vote.
Rinkēvičs said he had carefully considered his choice, adding that he follows on a daily basis what has and has not been accomplished, while also closely assessing party programmes, track records and, quite critically, their promises.
“To tell the truth, it really isn’t that simple,” the President stressed.
He explained that he has his own list of criteria that guided him both in his first election in 1993, when the 5th Saeima was elected, and today.
The President said it is important to him that Latvia remains firmly anchored in the Western European space. Security and defence, demographics, economic development trends and healthcare are also important issues at present, he stressed.
“It is absolutely essential that people come out and make their choice. If you don’t go to the polls, someone else decides for you, someone else gives their representatives a mandate of trust, and someone else ensures that their ideas are put into practice,” Rinkēvičs said.
He noted that Latvian society is highly diverse and holds many different views. People often have radically opposing ideas about what the economy and politics should look like, as well as differing positions on issues that matter to various groups of voters, he said.
“I definitely disagree with those who say there is no one to vote for. No person, no party and no politician is perfect. That has never been the case and never will be. But you can always find something that is closer to your heart – whether it is a large or a small party. Someone may find one choice or another unacceptable, but it is our own ability to decide, our own choice,” Rinkēvičs stressed, adding that his work would begin on Monday.
As reported, polling stations across Latvia will remain open until 20:00 on Saturday.
Once voting ends, polling station commissions will begin counting the ballots. Votes will be counted manually during open commission meetings.
Preliminary results will be published gradually as vote-counting data are received from polling stations.