2019 Latvian presidential election

Before the first round of the presidential election, the political parties represented in the Saeima nominate their candidate.[1]

The president is elected in the first round if he receives the absolute majority of the deputies, i.e. 51 votes out of 100.[1]

In case of failure, a second round is organized with the same candidates and under the same conditions. If no one is elected, the two candidates who come first are qualified for a third round, and the one who receives 51 votes becomes President of Latvia. The president of the Saeima chairs the electoral college.[1]

In case of failure, the procedure is restarted.[1]

Candidates for the position of President of Latvia – Egils Levits, Juris Jansons and Didzis Šmits (from left to right)

Latvia's parliament elected former European Court of Justice judge Egils Levits as the Baltic country's next president on Wednesday, a largely ceremonial role that also brings with it limited political powers.

The results of the vote were as follows:[2][3]

• Egils Levits – 61 votes
• Didzis Šmits – 24 votes
• Juris Jansons – 8 votes

Having received 61 votes, Levits began serving a four-year term starting on July 8, when incumbent president Raimonds Vējonis' term came to an end.[4]