The decision

The Latvian parliament's presidium and council of factions decided on 22 May to hold the country's indirect presidential election on 20 June. An extraordinary session of parliament is necessary for the vote, since its spring session will end on 19 June and its fall session will begin on 2 September. Presidential nominations must be handed in writing to the presidium. To be elected president a candidate must receive at least 51 votes from the 100-member parliament. As the three-party ruling coalition and the largest opposition party, the People's Party, have repeatedly expressed their support for the re-election of President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, she is expected to remain president after her current term expires on 7 July.