Latvia's Security Service monitors campaign ahead of 15th Saeima elections — LSM English

Latvia's State Security Service (VDD) reported that it is monitoring the situation in society and the information space ahead of the elections to the 15th Saeima. The purpose of this monitoring is to prevent attempts to unlawfully influence the course and results of the vote, LSM English reports.

Disinformation risks

During the elections, the VDD, together with the State Police, other state institutions and local government bodies, plans to implement enhanced security measures to ensure free and fair voting. The service's powers include detecting and preventing attempts by foreign and Latvian citizens to unlawfully influence the organization of elections and their results.

The VDD believes that Russia, the aggressor state, could potentially intensify disinformation campaigns against political forces and candidates who firmly condemn Russian aggression and support Ukraine. At the same time, the service said that it has not currently identified significant and systematic attempts by Russia or other states hostile to Latvia to influence the election outcome in favor of a particular party or candidate.

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According to the VDD, the service has recorded isolated attempts to spread disinformation related to the elections and certain political forces and is assessing them. The agency also did not rule out provocations initiated by Russia or Belarus that may be aimed at influencing the course or results of the vote.

Call to report violations

The VDD also warned of possible attempts to unlawfully influence voters' choices, including through vote-buying. As of September 28, the service had not recorded any such attempts. Citizens were urged to report promises of money, material or non-material benefits in exchange for voting for a party or candidate, as well as threats, violence or other unlawful methods of influence.

The service advises, where possible, recording suspected violations in audio, photos or video and preserving data about the persons involved. Separately, the VDD asks people to report the creation or dissemination of knowingly false defamatory materials about parties or candidates using deepfake technology.