Latvia's anti-corruption bureau opens violation cases against several parties over campaigning breaches

Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has launched several administrative violation proceedings over suspected breaches of pre-election campaigning rules, the bureau confirmed to the LETA news agency.

One proceeding was opened against a party that failed to submit a mandatory declaration on its pre-election campaigning activities, as required by law. Filing such a declaration is a legal obligation intended to allow oversight of parties' campaigning activities and related spending during the pre-election period.

Two further proceedings were opened against two other parties over campaign materials displayed in public places. According to KNAB's findings, these materials did not indicate who paid for them — a requirement designed to ensure transparency in campaign financing and allow the public and oversight bodies to identify who is behind a given political message.

KNAB has not disclosed the names of the parties involved, nor has it provided details on possible penalties should violations be confirmed. An administrative violation proceeding is an initial stage in which KNAB assesses the identified breaches and decides on further action, including any sanctions.

Compliance with campaigning rules is one of the tools intended to ensure a fair and transparent pre-election campaign, allowing authorities to track the sources and use of party funding during the campaigning period.