On Saturday, October 3, Latvia is holding legislative elections, with political campaigns focusing on security, national identity, and economic issues. The country has asked the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor the election due to concerns about foreign interference. Latvia is electing 100 members of the Saeima, its unicameral parliament, every four years using proportional list voting. Over 1.5 million voters from five regions—Vidzeme, Latgale, Courland, Zemgale, and Riga—will choose which of the 14 political lists meet the 5% threshold to enter Parliament. Campaigning began in June and has reached its peak, with political debates shaped by security concerns and identity issues. These elections are taking place amid an identity crisis and international tensions, particularly linked to the conflict in Ukraine. Prime Minister Evika Siliņa (New Unity, Jaunā vienotība) resigned in May 2023 after criticizing the country’s insufficient defense resources against Russian drone attacks. She was succeeded by Andris Kulbergs, who leads a coalition of center-right parties, including the United List (Apvienotais Saraksts), New Unity, the National Alliance (Nacionālā apvienība), and the Union of Greens and Farmers (Zaļo un zemnieku savienība). To counter high voter abstention—59.26% in the 2022 elections—the Latvian Civic Alliance, the State Chancellery (VK), and the Central Electoral Commission (CVK) have launched a campaign titled "I Have a Wish" to encourage participation, especially among young people. The current government consists of center to center-right parties with regionalist, green, and conservative leanings, holding 66 of the 100 parliamentary seats. The governing United List holds 23.6% in current polls. Populist right-wing parties, such as "Latvia First" (Latvija pirmajā vietā), which is eurosceptic, and "Sovereign Power" (Suverēnā vara), are gaining traction, with 13% and 9.6% of the vote, respectively. These parties oppose European ideals of inclusion, including support for LGBTQ+ rights, abortion rights, and the Istanbul Convention, a treaty against gender-based violence that Latvia ratified in 2024. They argue that the treaty undermines traditional family values. Both parties also advocate for a stronger focus on Latvian identity over European integration. A survey by the Latvian Civic Alliance, a group representing civil society organizations, found that many citizens want to reduce funding for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and potentially eliminate the Social Integration Fund (Sabiedrības integrācijas fonds), which supports social cohesion, media, and vulnerable populations. These elections could lead to reduced cooperation with civil society and increased tensions with other European Union member states. Despite differences in social policies, most parties agree on themes such as strengthening democracy, increasing local governance, and improving the economy amid rising inflation since 2022. Security and defense are also central to the campaigns, with the government planning to increase military spending to 2 billion euros by the end of the year. Latvia's political landscape is shaped by its large Russian-speaking population, nearly 30% of the population, and concerns about Russian influence. A disinformation campaign targeting Riga earlier this year has raised fears of Russian interference, prompting the government to request OSCE observation. Some polling station staff were removed after being linked to pro-Kremlin messages or travel to Russia or Belarus. The OSCE’s role in monitoring the election is critical, as the Saeima will elect Latvia’s president in June 2027. These elections reflect both national and European security concerns, as Latvia seeks to balance its identity and sovereignty in a complex geopolitical environment.