Latvian ruling coalition members have different opinions on open presidential elections

It seems members of the ruling coalition in Latvia have different opinions on whether or not the state president should be elected through an open vote.

Armands Krauze, member of the Union of Greens and Farmers, says that he is against such open votes, and that each separate case requires a closed vote. He believes it is possible to influence deputies in an open vote.
 

«A closed vote ensures an objective vote based on deputies conscience and best of intentions, which no one can influence. Many public associations, organizations and companies also perform closed votes,» added Krauze.
 

Unity member Inese Lībiņa-Egnere, on the other hand, says parties have always stood in favour of the idea of electing the state president through an open vote.
 

Saeima Legal Affairs Committee’s chairman and co-chairman of the National Alliance Gaidis Bērziņš agrees with the idea of electing the state president through an open vote.
 

The politician invites Saeima deputies to support this order. «The closed vote for the state president, deputies’ general unwillingness to reveal their voting plans to society and explain their choice – all of it only expands the gap between society and the parliament. This is why NA proposes supporting the initiative for adoption of an open vote. Voters have the right to know how their elected representatives vote,» says Bērziņš.
 

Saeima’s Legal Affairs Committee will discuss this matter on Wednesday, 29 November.
 

Election of the state president through a closed vote is dictated by the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia.

BNN

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