Latvians Go To The Polls Today

RFE: Russia-Friendly Party Hoping Latvian Election Will Propel Them To Power

Latvia holds parliamentary elections on October 6 in a vote that could propel a populist, Russian-friendly coalition to power.

Latvia, a member of the European Union and NATO, shares a 270-kilometer border with Russia.

It has a sizable ethnic-Russian minority of around 25 percent, a legacy of nearly 50 years of Soviet occupation that ended in 1991, when the nation regained its independence.

Latvia's mainstream parties have kept pro-Russian politicians from power as they sought ever closer ties with the West.

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WNU Editor: Latvia has a large Russian ethnic population who have always felt that they are being discriminated against .... Latvia Pushes To Limit Russian Language In Effort To Strengthen National Identity (NPR). But they are going

to send a message in today's election.

More News On Today's Election In Latvia

Latvia exit polls put pro-Russia Harmony party ahead -- DW
Latvia's pro-European parties perform strongly in exit poll -- Reuters
Ethnic Russians have big influence in Latvian election -- AP
Pro-Russia party looms large at Latvia elections -- DW
Populists threaten to topple status quo in Latvia election -- Euronews
Latvia's Pro-Russian SDPS Party Leading in Parliamentary Election - Exit Poll -- Sputnik