The number of signatures in support of Ulle Madise's candidacy for the Estonian presidency has risen to 62
The number of Riigikogu members who have signed in support of Estonian Minister of Justice Ulle Madise’s candidacy in the presidential election has risen to 62. That is seven more signatures than the previous day, according to ERR News.
At least 21 signatures are required for the candidate to be officially nominated during registration next week. To be elected president by parliament, a candidate needs 68 votes, so Madise’s current support is six votes short of the required threshold.
Madise’s nomination was signed by 61 members of parliament from the coalition parties, the Reform Party and Eesti 200, as well as one representative from the opposition Social Democratic Party. At the same time, three lawmakers have not yet signed: Mart Virklaev and Margit Sutrop of the Reform Party, as well as Zuleikha Izmaylova of the Social Democratic Party.
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Virklaev told ERR that he is still weighing his decision and named Tiit Land, rector of Tallinn University of Technology, as a possible alternative candidate. The Reform Party plans to meet with Madise next Tuesday.
The current Riigikogu has 20 independent members, and as of this writing, none of them have signed on to support Madise. Some of them have stated that they will not vote, while others plan to make up their minds after meeting with Madise and Land. The Isamaa Party and the Center Party are also considering supporting Land, but they must first meet with Madise.
Candidate registration will take place from August 21 to 24. The Riigikogu vote is scheduled for September 2 and 3. Madise has not yet publicly agreed to run; if she participates in the election, she will likely have to step down from her position as Chancellor of Justice due to a potential conflict of interest.
