Pre-elections have been peaceful in Latvia, says police chief

The European Parliament (EP) pre-election period in Latvia, which lasts 120 days, has so far passed relatively calmly, the Chief of the State Police Armands Ruks said June 7 on Latvian Television's "Morning Panorama".

There have been some offenses, but the State Police Chief did not want to highlight anything in particular. The police are monitoring various manifestations, but the election rules are mostly respected. 

"We see that there are people in society who secretly and sometimes even openly try to direct actions against our internal security, to praise or justify Russian aggression in Ukraine. Populist politicians and various workers in different groups are trying to take advantage of this difficult situation," Ruks said.

While people have the right to express themselves in a democracy, it should always be remembered that there is a certain limit, after which responsibility follows, Ruks said.

There are currently no indications that provocations are expected on polling day, but discussions have been held with some individuals. 

"In general, some individual manifestations cannot be ruled out. The most important thing is to ensure that people are safe and that this [electoral] process is not disrupted," Ruks said.

"The population can feel safe. I call on people to report electoral violations and other manifestations, such as justifications for war. Using the electoral backdrop, breaking the law, [there can be] cultivation of political capital, unpopular forces trying to attract a naive public to themselves in this way. Don't believe everything you are told!" said the State Police Chief.

Amīlija Raituma, a spokesperson for the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB), told "Morning Panorama" that the bureau has launched 72 inspections, 41 of which are assessing possible hidden pre-election campaigning. Four proceedings have been initiated for administrative offenses.

"The pre-election period was free of significant violations," the KNAB spokeswoman said. There have been and will be violations, but not such as to significantly affect competition or create inequality between political parties.

Paid campaigning is banned June 7 and 8, the main day of the European Parliament elections in Latvia. 

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