In early February, the former president of the World Federation of Free Latvians Kristīne Saulīte was confirmed as president of the Central Election Commission (CVK).
“The institution has not changed since the 90s, but the requirements have changed,” said Saulīte.
As the institution has not grown with time, the job of the new leader is not simple at the moment. Together with the members of the CVK, talks have been launched about how the CVK's structure might look in future.
“One thing is clear: it cannot continue,” said Saulīte.
According to her, it is necessary to either strengthen the CVK in such a way that it can work alone or that the CVK becomes a coordinating body working with others. Saulīte believes that it would not be logical for the CVK to be alone, because there are other institutions that it could cooperate with, for example, the Office for Citizenship and Migration Affairs (PMLP), which is the holder of voter data.
If the CVK comes under the management of a ministry or the Saeima, as previously proposed by the President of Latvia, it should be seen that there is neutrality and separation.
“Political neutrality must be maintained,” said Saulīte.
With regard to the forthcoming elections to be organized by the CVK, the European Parliament's (EP) elections next year, Saulīte was cautious about their success. She said it was close to holding the elections in a paper and pen format because there is currently no information technology (IT) system.
