Following an invitation from the Republic of Latvia, the ODIHR has deployed a limited election observation mission for the 7 October parliamentary elections in Latvia. The 100 members of the Latvian Saeima (parliament) are elected from five multi-seat constituencies through a proportional open list system.

The mission, led by Ambassador Boris Frlec (Slovenia), began its work on 18 September and is composed of a team of twelve election experts and six long-term observers, from a total of twelve OSCE countries. The long-term observers will be deployed to major regional centres outside of Riga.

The limited election observation mission will focus on the legal framework and its implementation, the work of the election administration at central and regional levels, the political campaign, the media coverage of the campaign, and issues related to the participation of minority populations in the election process.

The OSCE/ODIHR will not be requesting short-term observers. A final report with findings and recommendations will be issued approximately 8 weeks after the elections.

Limited Election Observation Mission Staff

Ambassador Boris Frlec (Slovenia): Head of Mission
Stephen Nash (UK): Deputy Head of Mission/Political Analyst
Linda Edgeworth (USA): Election Analyst:
Vsevolod Perevozchikov (Russian Federation): Election Analyst
Olexiy Lychkovakh (Ukraine): Election Analyst
Hans Birchler (Switzerland): Legal Analyst
Dan Finn (USA): Legal Analyst
Mirella Marchese (Italy): Media Analyst
Mihai Gribincea (Moldova): Senior Adviser, OSCE Office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities
Kerstin Dokter (Germany): Long-Term Observer Coordinator
Igor Bulic (Croatia): Logistics Officer
Bartlomiej Lipinski (Poland): Finance Officer