Latvian PM’s alliance set for clear election win, shows exit poll

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' centrist United List alliance is projected to secure a decisive victory in the country's upcoming parliamentary election, according to a recent exit poll. The poll indicates that United List would claim 35.6% of the vote, far surpassing the other contenders. The populist nationalist Latvia First party is expected to finish in second place with 11.3% of the vote, while the left-wing Progressives and the right-wing Sovereign Power party follow with 11.1% and 10.8% respectively.

Two of United List's current coalition partners, the National Alliance and the New Unity, are also anticipated to surpass the election threshold for parliamentary entry with 8.7% and 6.7% of the vote respectively. The exit poll suggests that six parties will ultimately make it into Latvia's parliament, termed the Saeima. The projections imply that Kulbergs' alliance will emerge more fortified from the vote, yet it would still need coalition partners to form a government, as it doesn't have a clear majority.

Approximately 6,500 voters participated in the exit poll. However, caution is advised as exit polls have proven unreliable in previous Latvian elections. The official results are anticipated to be released on Sunday. The election campaign was primarily focused on Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine and its potential impact on Latvia's national security, considering the country's geographical proximity to Russia and Belarus.

With about 1.5 million eligible voters, Latvian citizens will decide the future direction of their nation.