Riga: Latvia is holding its parliamentary election amid heightened security concerns, with the war in Ukraine and recent drone-related incidents emerging as major issues in the country’s political debate.

Voters are choosing members of the Saeima, Latvia’s 100-seat parliament, in an election taking place against a complicated regional security backdrop. The Baltic nation shares borders with Russia and Belarus, making developments connected to the war in Ukraine particularly significant for its political leadership.

National security has become one of the central themes of the election campaign. Political parties have debated defence spending, military preparedness and Latvia’s cooperation with NATO and European Union partners.

Recent reports of drones entering or approaching the airspace of Baltic countries have further increased public attention on airspace security. Latvian authorities have been working with regional and NATO partners to strengthen surveillance and improve responses to potential aerial threats.

The war in Ukraine has also influenced discussions about Latvia’s long-term security strategy. Latvia has been among the European countries supporting Ukraine and has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining strong regional defence capabilities.

Economic concerns remain another important part of the campaign. Political parties have been presenting proposals related to household costs, wages, taxation, public services and economic growth. The challenge for the next government will be balancing domestic economic priorities with increased spending requirements linked to national defence.

Latvia’s political landscape is divided among several parties and political groupings, making coalition-building an important consideration after the election. Because governments in Latvia are generally formed through parliamentary coalitions, the final distribution of seats could influence negotiations over the country’s next governing alliance.

The election also carries significance for Latvia’s relations with the European Union. Political parties have different priorities regarding European policy, economic competitiveness, migration and security cooperation, although Latvia’s membership in the EU and NATO remains central to its international position.

For voters, the election therefore represents more than a choice between competing domestic programmes. Security, regional stability and Latvia’s response to the changing European geopolitical environment have become closely connected with questions about the country’s economic and social future.

Election authorities have been preparing polling stations across the country, while officials have urged voters to participate peacefully and follow established electoral procedures.

The outcome will determine the composition of Latvia’s next parliament and set the framework for coalition negotiations. With security concerns dominating much of the campaign, the new government will face pressure to address both immediate domestic priorities and the country’s longer-term position on Europe’s increasingly challenging security landscape.