EKRE leader: Madise's election as Estonian president could be challenged in court

EKRE chair Martin Helme has said on social media that his party will not support Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise as a candidate in Estonia's presidential election. He argued that Madise has effectively already declared herself a candidate by seeking cross-party backing in the Riigikogu, even though she lacks such support — EKRE, at minimum, will not back her.

Helme said Madise faces a serious conflict of interest, since as chancellor of justice she oversees the work of parliament while simultaneously seeking the support of all parties for the presidency. He warned that if she were elected, this conflict of roles could form grounds for challenging the election result in court.

According to Helme, Madise is playing a game of appearing not to be a candidate, thereby avoiding the debate and heightened media and public scrutiny expected of anyone seeking high office, while continually signaling interest in the post provided her support is secured in advance. He noted that she has repeatedly avoided stating she will not run, and again on Saturday confirmed her interest in the presidency while saying she wants to see sufficient support first.

Helme said this approach would let Madise emerge as a candidate at the last moment and, if the votes are indeed lined up, effectively secure the office without open competition — something he called a poor precedent that runs counter to basic democratic principles.

He added that EKRE is the only party that has approached the presidential race seriously, professionally and with respect for voters, having nominated Mart Helme as its candidate back in spring, and again urged support for him as Estonia's sole official candidate.

Separately, Eesti 200 chair Kristina Kallas said Thursday that Madise currently has the backing of 67 Riigikogu members, though Züleyxa Izmailova — who left Eesti 200 for the Social Democrats — does not support her. Izmailova told ERR the vote is secret and she would not obstruct the election of a president.

The Riigikogu's Council of Elders will discuss the presidential election on Tuesday. At least 21 MPs are needed to nominate a candidate, and 68 votes are required for election by parliament. Nominations run Aug. 21-24, with the first voting round set for Sept. 2 and, if needed, further rounds on Sept. 3.