How Latvian voters use green and red marks to shape their parliament
In short: In the 2026 Latvian parliamentary election, citizens did more than just select a party list. They actively influenced which specific individuals filled the 100 available seats by using a unique system of positive and negative marks. This mechanism allows voters to express both their support and disapproval for individual candidates.
The election held on 3 October 2026 marked the conclusion of the term for the fourteenth Saeima, which had been elected back in 2022. Latvia employs an open list proportional representation system to determine its legislature. The country is divided into five multi-member constituencies, with seat allocations ranging from 11 to 38 per region. Overseas ballots are counted within the Rīga constituency, and a 5% national threshold applies to all participating parties.
A distinctive feature of the voting process is the ability to cast specific votes for candidates within a chosen party list. Voters can mark a green box to signal preference or a red box to indicate opposition. The final tally for any candidate is determined by taking the total votes for their party, adding their positive marks, and subtracting their negative ones. This ensures that the individuals with the highest net support occupy the seats secured by their respective party.
The distribution of these 100 seats is not static. The Central Electoral Commission adjusts the number of representatives per constituency based on the population of eligible voters five months prior to the election. On 7 May 2026, the commission finalized these changes, resulting in a shift where the Rīga district increased its representation by two seats, while the Kurzeme and Latgale regions each saw their seat count decrease by one compared to the previous cycle.
The Sainte-Laguë method is utilized to allocate seats among the competing parties and alliances. By combining proportional representation with individual candidate ranking, the Latvian system balances party-level support with the personal influence of the electorate. This structure forces candidates to remain accountable to voters, as a high number of negative marks can significantly impact their chances of securing a seat in the Saeima.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2026 Latvian parliamentary election
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