Latvian election campaign finance oversight

During the 15th Saeima election cycle in Latvia, political parties declared approximately €2.78 million in pre-election campaign expenditures. Major spenders included Apvienotais saraksts (AS), Zaļo un zemnieku savienība (ZZS), and Latvija pirmajā vietā (LPV).

Regarding LPV, the party reportedly secured donations from the banking and transit industries to cover a €340,000 fine imposed by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) following an investigation into an illegal pre-election advertising campaign. LPV leader Ainārs Šlesers indicated he personally contacted supporters to meet these obligations, with contributions coming from figures linked to ‘Rietumu banka’ and the transit sector.

KNAB reported receiving 207 signals regarding potential violations of the Pre-election Campaigning Law, with 59 signals received on election day alone. These reports primarily concerned unauthorized campaign materials in public spaces and free communication on social media. KNAB noted that a full assessment of legality depends on the submission of income and expenditure declarations by November 2.