Stepaņenko: party ready to start working immediately after exit poll results
Following an exit poll showing 10.8% support for the "Sovereign Power"/"New Latvians Union" alliance, leader Jūlija Stepaņenko said the party is ready to get to work right away, though she called it premature to discuss coalition talks.
Following Saturday's exit poll results, Jūlija Stepaņenko, leader of the "Sovereign Power. New Latvians Union" alliance, expressed satisfaction and readiness to begin work in the 15th Saeima without delay. The poll shows 10.8% voter support for her political alliance.
Speaking to the LETA news agency, Stepaņenko said the party has a range of prepared policy ideas and draft proposals, along with colleagues who have prior parliamentary experience and understand the legislative process, which should ease the start of lawmaking work. She thanked voters for their trust and expressed hope that the party's work in the Saeima would meet expectations, promising an active role in parliament.
On the question of a possible role in a governing coalition, the politician was more cautious, stressing that such decisions cannot be based solely on exit poll data — official election results must be awaited first.
Overview of the exit poll
According to the poll, the United List (AS) won decisively with 35.6% support. It was followed by "Latvia First" with 11.3%, "Progressives" with 11.1%, "Sovereign Power"/"New Latvians Union" with 10.8%, the National Alliance with 8.7%, and "New Unity" with 6.7%. These six parties appear to have cleared the 5% threshold and could enter the new Saeima.
The Union of Greens and Farmers (3.7%), "For the Development of Latvia" (3.1%) and "We Change the Rules" (3%) fell short of the threshold. More than 6,500 voters were surveyed at over 70 polling stations, while 30% of respondents declined to reveal their choice. Official results are expected from the Central Election Commission.
