Polling the Controversy
In a national referendum on the future of the current Parliament, 44.3 percent of Latvian voters — who said they would vote — will vote for its dissolution, according to the data by Latvijas Fakti.
Nearly a quarter of the country’s residents would support dissolution of the current Saeima. Nearly a half of the residents said they would participate in a national referendum to dissolve the Parliament.
This is why the Government and the ruling parties are not interested in a referendum on this or any other issue.
According to the Constitution, the President can dissolve the Parliament.
The President of State shall have the right to propose the dissolution of the Saeima. This shall be followed by a referendum. If in the referendum more than one-half of the votes are cast in favour of dissolution, the Saeima shall be considered as dissolved and new elections shall be proclaimed. These elections shall take place within two months after the dissolution of the Saeima.
Upon dissolution of the Saeima, its members shall retain their powers until the newly-elected Saeima has assembled. The former Saeima may only assemble on being convened by the President of State. The agenda for such sittings shall be determined by the President of State.
If in the referendum the dissolution of the Saeima is opposed by more than one-half of the votes cast, the President of State shall be regarded as dismissed and the Saeima shall elect a new President of State for the remaining period of office of the President who has been dismissed.
The photo shows the Saeima building in the Old Riga
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