Latvian parliamentary election, 1998

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Parliamentary elections were held in Latvia on 3 October 1998.[1] The People's Party emerged as the largest party in the Saeima, winning 24 of the 100 seats.

Results

Party Votes % Seats +/–
People's Party203,58521.324New
Latvian Way173,42018.121+4
For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK140,77314.717+3
National Harmony Party135,70014.216+10
Latvian Social Democratic Alliance123,05612.914+14
New Party70,2147.38New
Latvian Farmers' Union23,7322.50
Workers' Party-LKDS-ZP22,0182.30
People's Movement for Latvia16,6471.70–16
Democratic Party "Saimnieks"15,4101.60–18
Latvian Revival Party5,0000.50New
National Progress Party4,5220.50New
Latvian Unity Party4,4450.50–8
Social Democratic Women's Organisation3,1330.30New
Popular Movement "Freedom"3,0990.30New
Latvian National Democratic Party2,9270.300
Conservative Party2,3180.20New
Citizens' Union "Our Land"2,2380.20New
Helsinki-862,0880.20New
Democrats' Party7920.100
Latvian National Reform Party4640.10New
Invalid/blank votes26,819
Total982,4001001000
Registered voters/turnout1,383,66171.0
Source: Nohlen & Stöver

Aftermath

Initially, a coalition government was formed between Latvian Way, For Fatherland and Freedom, the Social Democratic Alliance and the New Party. This enjoyed a parliamentary majority with 60 out of the 100 MPs. However, within six months of the coalition forming, the Social Democratic Alliance left the government, leaving it with just 46 MPs, wiping out its parliamentary majority. As a result, a new government was formed with the addition of the People's Party. This enjoyed a large parliamentary majority, with 70 out of the 100 MPs.

References

  1. Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1122 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7