Overview
- Latvians cast ballots on Oct. 3 in a fragmented election where Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs' United List leads polls but falls far short of a majority.
- Security issues dominated the campaign after intelligence warned Moscow might test the Baltics and several stray drones entered Latvian airspace and were intercepted.
- Parties that court Russian-speaking voters, notably Sovereign Power and Latvia First, are polling strongly and could change post‑vote coalition math.
- Kulbergs has ruled out partnering with Sovereign Power and promises higher defence spending and more anti‑drone capability, but weak showings by allied parties could force difficult deals.
- Early results are expected overnight and will determine whether Latvia keeps a firm pro‑Ukraine, high‑spending defence course or must moderate policy to form a governing coalition.