On Thursday, the 2nd of February, Latvia’s Saeima elected the former leader of World Free Latvians Union Kristīne Saulīte as the new head of the Central Election Commission (CVK). 68 deputies voted in favour, six voted against, and 15 deputies abstained in the vote.
Until now she was mostly known for leading the aforementioned organisation (head of the praesidium of the Association of Latvians in Australia and New Zealand in 2018-2021). She has been the chairperson of LAAJ and PBLA since 2015. The was also the head of Latvian Community in Melbourne in 2013-2014. She was born in Lestene, Latvia. She also performed at the Latvian Theatre in Australia. She was also a singer in the choir Daina, as reported by the local newspaper Latvietis.
«Saulīte graduated from Melbourne Business School Management Class. She also received scholarship at Harvard Business School [Sydney Office] to acquire a diploma in management and strategy.
He work has always been focused on work with people, managing teams, and helping people grow as individuals.
Kristīne enjoys music, literature, politics, art, business and charity,» according to the diaspora’s objective. Currently she studies at Riga Law College. Saulīte has worked in managing positions in «international private companies» – Australian plumbing equipment manufacturer Rogerseller Myhill and Thailand IT company CDG Group.
Previously Saulīte as a candidate received support from the Saeima’s Legal Affairs Committee. The head of the committee Andrejs Judins said all candidates voiced an interest in working on elections-related topics. Some of them have experience working at CVK.
Also read: Latvian Central Election Commission loses its «head»