Anti-corruption bureau: most election-day reports concerned candidates' social media activity

Latvia's Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) received 59 reports from the public on October 3, the day of the 15th Saeima elections, concerning possible violations of the Pre-Election Campaigning Law. That is slightly fewer than on the previous Saeima election day.

Most reports concerned free-of-charge communication on social media by candidates, political organizations and other individuals, including calls to vote — an activity that is not prohibited on election day. KNAB noted that the law bans paid distribution of campaign materials or paid promotion of campaign posts online on election day itself, but does not restrict the posting of free content on social networks or elsewhere online.

The bureau also received reports of possible campaign materials displayed in public spaces, including on a vehicle and at a retail location.

Overall assessment still pending

Amīlija Raituma, head of KNAB's division investigating violations by political organizations, said that those conducting campaigning are increasingly complying with the rules in good faith. However, a full assessment of the entire campaign period ahead of the 15th Saeima elections, including the legality of parties' and candidates' campaigns, can only be made once KNAB has reviewed all participating political organizations' declarations of election income and expenses, due by November 2.

Since the campaigning period began on June 6 through election day, KNAB has received a total of 207 reports of possible violations. Officials continue reviewing previously submitted information as well as reports received on election day itself, to decide whether grounds exist to launch administrative violation proceedings. So far, 16 such proceedings have been opened. KNAB thanked residents who got involved in monitoring the elections by reporting suspected violations.