The translation of this document is outdated.
Translation validity: 01.01.2024.–06.11.2024.
Amendments not included:
24.10.2024.
Text consolidated by Valsts valodas centrs (State
Language Centre) with amending laws of:
13 December 2012 [shall
come into force on 1 January 2013];
10 April 2014 [shall come into force on 16 April
2014];
16 June 2016 [shall come into force on 15 July
2016];
11 June 2020 [shall come into force on 19 June
2020];
10 December 2020 [shall come into force on 1 January
2021];
10 June 2021 [shall come into force on 29 June
2021];
22 June 2023 [shall come into force on 1 January
2024].
If a whole or part of a section has been amended, the
date of the amending law appears in square brackets at
the end of the section. If a whole section, paragraph or
clause has been deleted, the date of the deletion appears
in square brackets beside the deleted section, paragraph
or clause.
|
The Saeima1 has adopted and
the President has proclaimed the following law:
Pre-election
Campaign Law
Chapter I
General Provisions
Section 1. Terms Used in the Law
The following terms are used in the Law:
1) campaigner - a political party, an association of
political parties, a candidate and an unrelated person conducting
a pre-election campaign;
2) unrelated person - a legal or natural person not
related to political parties or their associations, or a
registered association of such persons who are conducting a
pre-election campaign in their name;
3) pre-election campaign - advertising of a political
party, associations of political parties, or a candidate in the
mass media or otherwise if it includes a direct or indirect
invitation to vote for or against a political party, association
of political parties, or candidate;
4) pre-election campaign period - the time period from
the 120th day before the elections until the election
day. If the Saeima has been dissolved or recalled or a
local government council is dissolved, or repeat elections are
announced, the pre-election campaign period shall be the time
period from the day of announcing the elections until the
election day;
5) payment - any remuneration, including any financial
benefits, services, transfer of rights, exemption from an
obligation, waiver of any right in favour of another person, etc.
(hereinafter also - the charge);
6) hidden pre-election campaign - a pre-election
campaign for which a payment is received and the payer of which
(provider of the compensation) has not been indicated in
contradiction with the provisions of this Law.
[16 June 2016; 10 June 2021]
Section 2. Purpose of the Law
The purpose of this Law is to provide an opportunity for an
individual to express his or her views and for the public to
obtain comprehensive information regarding the candidates, lists
of candidates, the political parties and associations of the
political parties before the election of the Saeima, the
European Parliament and local government councils (hereinafter
also - the local government elections).
[10 June 2021]
Section 3. Prohibition of Hidden
Pre-election Campaigns
(1) A hidden pre-election campaign is prohibited.
(2) If Paragraph one of this Section has been violated, the
funds spent on the hidden pre-election campaign shall be included
in the campaigner's pre-election expenses.
Section 4. Pre-election Campaign
Conducted by Unrelated Persons
(1) An unrelated person has the right to conduct a
pre-election campaign in accordance with the procedure laid down
in this Law.
(2) A campaign conducted by a political party or association
of political parties which has submitted lists of candidates, a
candidate from such a political party or association of political
parties, as well as a political party within an association of
political parties if such an association has submitted lists of
candidates shall not be considered as a pre-election campaign
conducted by an unrelated party.
(3) Funds or property that is used for a pre-election campaign
conducted by unrelated persons shall not be considered as a gift
(donation) to a political party or an association of political
parties within the meaning of the Law on Financing of Political
Organisations (Parties).
(4) State authorities and authorities of derived public
entities and capital companies in which the State or derived
public entities own capital shares (stocks), and also capital
companies in which shares (stocks) owned by one or more State
capital companies or capital companies of derived public entities
individually or collectively exceed 50 per cent are prohibited
from conducting a pre-election campaign.
[10 June 2021]
Section 5. Restrictions on the
Pre-election Campaign Expenses
(1) Restrictions on the amount of pre-election campaign
expenses (pre-election expenses) of a political party and
association of political parties shall be regulated by the Law on
Financing of Political Organisations (Parties).
(2) For pre-election campaign, an unrelated person may use
funds not exceeding 15 minimum monthly wages. Within the meaning
of this Law, a minimum monthly wage shall be the amount of the
minimum monthly wage which was determined on 1 January of the
relevant calendar year.
(3) The amount of the funds referred to in Paragraph two of
this Section that an unrelated person may use for a pre-election
campaign shall consist of the expenses by the relevant person
during the pre-election campaign period regardless of the date on
which the document confirming a transaction (bill, contract or
another document) was written out, or payment was received or
made for:
1) the placement of an advertisement:
a) [10 June 2021];
b) [10 June 2021];
c) in the television programmes and broadcasts of the
commercial electronic mass medium;
d) in the radio programmes and broadcasts of the commercial
electronic mass medium;
e) in newspapers, magazines, bulletins and other periodicals
registered in accordance with the procedures laid down in the
law, produced by print technology and widely circulated
throughout the whole territory of the country;
f) in newspapers, magazines, bulletins and other periodicals
registered in accordance with the procedures laid down in law
which are produced by print technology and the majority editions
of which are circulated within the territory of one local
government;
g) on the Internet, except for the website of an unrelated
person;
h) in premises and public places (in squares, streets, on
bridges and in other similar places) regardless of the
ownership;
2) use of postal services (also electronic mail) in order to
send the pre-election campaign materials with the help of it;
3) financing, sponsoring charity events, disbursing benefits
and making gifts (donations) if they are of the nature of a
pre-election campaign.
(4) All funds which are used for pre-election campaign
conducted by unrelated persons and exceed one minimum monthly
wage shall be transferred into the bank account of the recipient
directly and without mediators. If the amount of the funds used
for pre-election campaign conducted by unrelated persons has
reached a minimum monthly wage, subsequent financial resources
regardless of their amount shall be directly and without
mediators transferred into the bank account of the recipient.
(5) If the total payment made by an unrelated person for
pre-election campaign to the same electronic mass medium,
publication, the person who agreed with the campaigner on the
placement of materials of pre-election campaign on the Internet,
as well as the person or authority which allocates premises and
public places for charge for conducting the pre-election campaign
(regardless of ownership), or provides postal (including
electronic mail) services to send the pre-election campaign
materials, in case of entering into a contract would exceed the
amount of the expenses set out in Paragraph two of this Section,
the relevant electronic mass medium, publication, person, who
agrees with the campaigner on the placement of materials of
pre-election campaign on the Internet, as well as the person or
authority, which allocates premises and public places for charge
for conducting the pre-election campaign (regardless of
ownership), or provides postal (including electronic mail)
services to send the materials of pre-election campaign, shall
refuse entering into a contract for the unrelated person.
[10 June 2021]
Section 5.1 Use of the
Language in a Pre-election Campaign
(1) During the pre-election campaign period, paid pre-election
campaign materials shall be placed in mass media radio and
television programmes, public outdoor and indoor areas,
periodicals (newspapers and magazines), bulletins, books, and
other periodicals produced by print technology and on the
Internet and paid pre-election campaign shall be conducted in the
official language (including the Latgalian written language) or
the Livonian language.
(2) During the pre-election campaign period before the
elections to the European Parliament and the local government
councils, the pre-election campaign materials referred to in
Paragraph one of this Section may include or the pre-election
campaign may be ensured with translation in the official
languages of the European Union Member States provided that the
use of the official language (including the Latgalian written
language) or the Livonian language may not be lesser or narrower
than the content in the foreign language either aurally or
visually.
(3) If the violation of Paragraph one or two of this Section
is detected, the director of the Corruption Prevention and
Combating Bureau has an obligation to assign the unrelated person
to transfer the financial resources used for unlawful
pre-election campaign to the State budget within 30 days. Upon a
motivated request of the relevant person, the director of the
Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau may divide the
repayment of the financial resources into periods or extend the
period of repayment of financial resources but for no longer than
90 days.
[22 June 2023]
Chapter
II
State Ensured Broadcasting Time in Electronic Mass Media
Programmes
Section 6. Right to the State
Ensured Free Broadcasting Time
(1) Candidates who are on the list of candidates of the same
title have the right to use the State ensured free broadcasting
time for the pre-election campaign in the first television and
radio programme of the public electronic mass media in the cases,
in accordance with the procedures and within the amount laid down
in this Chapter.
(2) Candidates who are in the list of candidates of the same
title submitted for the elections of the Saeima or the
European Parliament, or candidates who are in the list of
candidates of the same title submitted for the local government
elections have the right to the State ensured broadcasting time
if the relevant list has been submitted for the elections of the
Riga City Council or elections of at least five local government
councils in total.
(3) The State ensured free broadcasting time shall not be
granted for repeated voting.
[10 June 2021]
Section 7. Amount of the State
Ensured Free Broadcasting Time
(1) Before elections of the Saeima and the European
Parliament, and the local government elections, those candidates
who are in the list of candidates of the same title have the
right to use the State ensured free broadcasting time for a
pre-election campaign in the first television and radio programme
of the public electronic mass media four times for five minutes
within the period between 25th day and the penultimate
day before the election day.
(2) If the Saeima has been dissolved or recalled,
candidates who are in the list of deputy candidates of the same
title have the right to use the State ensured free broadcasting
time for pre-election campaign in the first television and radio
programme of the public electronic mass media two times for five
minutes within the period between the seventh day and the
penultimate day before the election day.
Section 8. Procedure for Granting
the State Ensured Free Broadcasting Time
(1) To receive the State ensured free broadcasting time, the
representative of the candidates who are in the list of
candidates of the same title shall lodge a submission to the
public electronic mass media for the use of the State ensured
free broadcasting time within the time limits referred to in
Paragraph four of this Section.
(2) The submission referred to in Paragraph one of this
Section shall include the title of the submitted list of
candidates, contact information, and for the elections of the
Saeima - also the electoral district in which the relevant
list of candidates has been nominated, but for the local
government elections - those local governments in the council
elections of which the lists of candidates have been
nominated.
(3) In co-operation with the Central Election Commission, the
public electronic mass media shall ascertain that the list of
candidates indicated in the submission referred to in Paragraph
one of this Section meets the requirements referred to in Section
6, Paragraph two of this Law.
(4) The submissions to the public electronic mass media
referred to in Paragraph one of this Section shall be lodged not
later than:
1) 40 days before the Saeima or the European Parliament
election day;
2) 20 days before the Saeima election day if the
current Saeima has been dissolved or recalled;
3) 29 days before the local government election day.
(5) Order in which the State ensured free broadcasting time
will be used shall be determined by drawing lots. Such draw may
not be used for the pre-election campaign.
(6) The drawing of lots and compliance with the limits of
broadcasting time referred to in Section 7 of this Law shall be
ensured by the relevant public electronic mass medium. If
representatives of a list of candidates do not participate in the
draw, the broadcasting time of this list of candidates shall be
drawn by the representative of the relevant public electronic
mass medium.
(7) When organising the drawing of lots referred to in
Paragraphs five and six of this Law, the public electronic mass
media shall offer a broadcasting time intended for a wide
audience.
[10 June 2021]
Section 9. Procedures for the Use of
the State Ensured Free Broadcasting Time
(1) The State ensured free broadcasting time may be used by
for a pre-election campaign by all candidates who are in the list
of candidates of the same title together or, upon reaching an
agreement, by some of them. The relevant public electronic mass
medium shall be notified of such agreement in each individual
case.
(2) Candidates who are in lists of candidates of different
titles may reach an agreement on a joint use of the broadcasting
time within the framework of the broadcasting time provided
thereto if they have the right to use the State ensured free
broadcasting time for a pre-election campaign. Such agreement
shall be notified to the public electronic mass media at least 40
days before the Saeima or the European Parliament election
day and at least 29 days before the local government election
day. If the Saeima has been dissolved or recalled, the
notification of the agreement shall be submitted to the public
electronic mass media 20 days before the election day.
Notification of the agreement on joint use of broadcasting time
cannot be amended or withdrawn.
(3) The State ensured free broadcasting time may be used by
the candidates who are in the relevant list of candidates at
their discretion.
Section 10. Participation in
Pre-election Broadcasts in the Television Programmes of
Electronic Mass Media within the Framework of the Public
Remit
(1) In the year of the Saeima, the European Parliament,
or the local government elections, the Public Electronic Mass
Media Council shall, within the framework of public remit and in
addition to the State ensured free broadcasting time, plan the
funding for the production of pre-election broadcasts in the
television programmes of the public electronic mass media.
(2) [10 December 2020]
(3) The lists of candidates nominated for elections have the
right to participate, at least once, in the pre-election
broadcasts in the television programmes of electronic mass media
within the framework of public remit. The electronic mass medium
shall determine the procedure for the pre-election broadcasts,
including criteria for the participation of deputy candidates,
and this procedure shall be published on a timely base.
(4) [22 June 2023]
[10 December 2020; 22 June 2023]
Chapter
III
Pre-election Campaign in the Television and Radio Programmes of
Electronic Mass Media
Section 11. General Conditions for
Pre-election Campaigns in the Television and Radio Programmes of
Electronic Mass Media
(1) Campaigner or its authorized person shall enter into the
contract on the allocation of broadcasting time directly and
without mediators only with the electronic mass medium.
(2) If an electronic mass medium has allocated broadcasting
time to a campaigner for a pre-election campaign, this medium has
an obligation to provide an opportunity for other campaigners, if
they wish so, to present themselves for the same amount of time
at a time slot as equivalent thereto as possible and for a
payment that corresponds to the price list for the broadcasting
time of pre-election campaigns determined by the relevant
electronic mass medium on the day when the campaigner submitted a
written application to the electronic mass media for the use of
broadcasting time for a pre-election campaign. The electronic
mass media has such obligation only if the broadcasting time
requested by the campaigner for a pre-election campaign may be
allocated in accordance with the provisions of the Electronic
Mass Media Law governing the maximum amount of advertising
time.
(3) The electronic mass medium shall, at least 150 days before
the election day, send to the National Electronic Mass Media
Council the price lists for the broadcasting time of pre-election
campaigns, including the planned discounts and criteria for the
application of discounts, for the entire pre-election period. The
National Electronic Mass Media Council shall without a delay
publish the abovementioned information on its website.
(4) If the Saeima has been dissolved or recalled or a
local government council is dissolved, or repeat elections are
announced, the electronic mass medium shall send the price lists
for the broadcasting time of pre-election campaigns to the
National Electronic Mass Media Council for publishing not later
than within three working days from the day when the elections
are announced.
(5) The price lists for broadcasting time determined by the
electronic mass media for the relevant hour of the day may not
exceed the average price lists for audio and audiovisual
commercial announcements of the same programme of the electronic
mass medium at the same hour of the day (including discounts) in
the previous calendar year by more than 50 per cent.
(6) The electronic mass medium is prohibited from placing
pre-election campaign materials for a higher or lower price than
determined in the price lists referred to in this Section. Such
price lists may not be amended after their publication.
(7) If the electronic mass medium has not sent the National
Electronic Mass Media Council the price lists for the
broadcasting time of pre-election campaigns in conformity with
the provisions of this Section and within the time limits laid
down therein, such mass medium shall be prohibited from placing
pre-election campaign materials for payment.
(8) Before each of the pre-election campaigns provided for in
this Section and immediately after thereof, it shall be clearly
and unambiguously communicated which campaigner has paid for the
pre-election campaign.
(9) Provisions of this Section shall not apply to the use of
the State ensured free broadcasting time in television and radio
programmes of the public electronic mass media.
[10 June 2021]
Section 12. Restrictions on
Pre-election Campaigns in the Television and Radio Programmes of
Electronic Mass Media
(1) The pre-election campaign broadcasts may not be included
as advertisements in news programmes of an electronic mass
media.
(2) Electronic mass media may not edit, compile or otherwise
modify broadcasts and materials of a pre-election campaign
without the consent of the relevant political party, association
of political parties, their candidates and unrelated persons who
are participating in these broadcasts or who have submitted
pre-election campaign materials to the relevant electronic mass
medium.
(3) Electronic mass media shall not be liable for the veracity
of the data included in the pre-election campaign materials that
have been previously prepared and submitted to them.
(4) On the election day, results of public opinion polls on
popularity of political parties, association of political
parties, or individual candidates may not be included in
broadcasts of electronic mass media during the course of election
laid down in the law.
(5) The employees of public electronic mass media and persons
who present the news programmes of these mass media are
prohibited from conducting pre-election campaigns in the
broadcasts.
(6) On election day, as well as 60 days prior to the election
day, electronic mass media are prohibited from distributing
broadcasts presented by and commentaries, interviews and reports
prepared by the persons who have been nominated as candidates or
before the elections have made a public announcement on their
participation in the activities of a political party or
association of political parties. These persons may be assigned
for the fulfilment of such duties which are not related to direct
participation in the programmes distributed by electronic mass
media. If that is not possible, the relevant persons may be
granted a leave. If the Saeima has been dissolved or
recalled or a local government council is dissolved, or repeat
elections are announced, this restriction shall apply to the time
period from the date of announcement of elections until the
election day.
(7) Electronic mass media shall comply with the prohibition to
place pre-election campaign material laid down in Section 32 of
this Law.
[10 April 2014; 10 June 2021]
Section 13. Pre-election Campaigns
in the Programmes of Foreign Electronic Mass Media
Electronic mass media which provide retransmission of
programmes of foreign electronic mass media in Latvia shall
include a provision in the contract with the relevant foreign
electronic mass medium that during the pre-election campaign
period the programmes to be re-transmitted in Latvia may not
include campaign materials on political parties or associations
of political parties.
[10 June 2021]
Section 14. Price Lists for the
Broadcasting Time of Announcements (Advertisements) on Meetings
with Voters
Electronic mass media which provide distribution of
announcements (advertisements) in their programmes by reading a
previously prepared text (advertisement) on meeting with voters
of a political party, association of political parties, or
candidate shall apply the same price lists which they determine
for the distribution of other announcements (advertisements).
This condition shall apply to cases where only the name of a
political party, association of political parties, or the given
name and surname of a candidate, time and place of the meeting
are indicated in the announcement (advertisement). When
distributing the announcement (advertisement), the political
party, association of political parties, or candidate who paid
for the distribution of the announcement (advertisement) shall be
clearly and unambiguously indicated. The conditions laid down in
Section 11, Paragraphs three, four, five, six and seven of this
Law for the notification of price lists for the broadcasting time
of pre-election campaigns and placement shall not apply to such
announcements (advertisements).
[10 June 2021]
Section 15. Presentation of Facts in
News Broadcasts and Direct Reports
The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to the
presentation of facts in news broadcasts and direct reports.
Chapter
IV
Pre-election Campaigns in Publications
Section 16. Pre-election Campaigns
in Publications
(1) Campaigner or its authorized person shall enter into the
contract on the placement of pre-election campaign materials
directly and without mediators only with the publication.
(2) A publication shall, at least 150 days before the election
day, send to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau the
price lists for the placement of pre-election campaign materials
for the entire period of the pre-election campaign, including
planned discounts and criteria for the application of discounts.
If the Saeima has been dissolved or recalled or a local
government council is dissolved, or repeat elections are
announced, a publication shall send the price lists for the
placement of pre-election campaign materials for the entire
pre-election campaign period, including planned discounts and
criteria for application of discounts, to the Corruption
Prevention and Combating Bureau not later than within three
working days from the day when the elections are announced. The
Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall, without delay,
publish the abovementioned information on its website.
(3) A publication is prohibited from placing pre-election
campaign materials for a price that is higher or lower than
indicated in the price lists referred to in Paragraph two of this
Section. Such price lists may not be amended after their
publication.
(4) If a publication has not sent the price list for the
placement of pre-election campaign materials to the Corruption
Prevention and Combating Bureau in accordance with the provisions
of this Section and within the time limits provided therein, such
publication may not place pre-election campaign materials for
payment during the pre-election campaign period.
(5) It shall be clearly and unambiguously indicated within the
framework of each pre-election campaign material published in
publication that it is an political advertisement and which
campaigner has paid for such pre-election campaign.
[10 June 2021]
Section 17. Price Lists for the
Publishing of Announcements (Advertisements) on Meeting with
Voters in Publications
Publications which publish pre-election announcements
(advertisements) on meeting with voters of a political party,
association of political parties, or candidate shall apply the
same price lists which they have determined for the publishing of
other announcements (advertisements). This condition shall apply
to cases where only the name of a political party, association of
political parties, or the given name and surname of a candidate,
time and place of the meeting are indicated in the announcement
(advertisement). When distributing the announcement
(advertisement), the political party, association of political
parties, or candidate who paid for the distribution of the
announcement (advertisement) shall be clearly and unambiguously
indicated. The conditions laid down in Section 16, Paragraphs
two, three and four of this Law for the notification and
placement of pre-election campaign price lists shall not apply to
the price lists of such announcements (advertisements).
[10 June 2021]
Chapter
IV.1
Distribution of Other Pre-election Campaign
Editions Produced by Print Technology
[16 June 2016]
Section 17.1 Distribution
of Other Pre-election Campaign Editions Produced by Print
Technology
(1) When distributing bulletins, books, leaflets and other
pre-election campaign editions produced by print technology that
are not press publications, the relevant edition shall clearly
and unambiguously indicate that it is an political advertising
and the campaigner who paid for such pre-election campaign, and
the number of copies of the edition must be indicated as
well.
(2) If the editions referred to in Paragraph one of this
Section are only distributed by using postal services, the
campaigner or its authorised person shall enter into the contract
on the distribution of pre-election campaign materials by using
postal services directly and without mediators only with the
postal service provider.
Chapter V
Pre-election Campaigns on the Internet
Section 18. Pre-election Campaigns
on the Internet
(1) Campaigner or its authorized person shall enter into the
contract on the placement of pre-election campaign materials on
the Internet directly and without mediators only with the
advertising service provider.
(2) An advertising service provider who offers to place the
pre-election campaign materials on the Internet for payment
shall, at least 150 days prior to the election day, send to the
Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau the price lists for
the placement of pre-election campaign materials, including
planned discounts and criteria for the application of discounts,
for the entire period of pre-election campaign. If the
Saeima has been dissolved or recalled or a local
government council is dissolved, or repeat elections are
announced, the relevant advertising service provider shall send
the price lists for the placement of pre-election campaign
materials for the entire pre-election period, including planned
discounts and criteria for the application of discounts, to the
Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau not later than within
three working days from the day when the elections are announced.
The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall, without
delay, publish the abovementioned information on its website.
(3) An advertising service provider who offers to place the
pre-election campaign materials on the Internet for payment is
prohibited from doing it for a price that is higher or lower than
that indicated in the price lists referred to in Paragraph two of
this Section. Such price lists may not be amended after their
publication.
(4) If an advertising service provider who offers to place the
pre-election campaign materials on the Internet for payment has
not sent the price list for the placement of pre-election
campaign materials to the Corruption Prevention and Combating
Bureau in compliance with the provisions of this Section and
within the time limits provided therein, this advertising service
provider may not place pre-election campaign materials on the
Internet for payment during the pre-election campaign period.
(5) When placing pre-election campaign materials on the
Internet, the campaigner who paid for the pre-election campaign
shall be clearly and unambiguously indicated within the framework
of each material.
[16 June 2016; 10 June 2021]
Section 19. Price Lists for the
Publishing of Announcements (Advertisements) on Meeting with
Voters on the Internet
An advertising service provider who offers to place on the
Internet for payment the pre-election announcements
(advertisements) on meeting with voters of a political party,
association of political parties, or candidate shall apply the
same price lists which it has determined for the publishing of
other announcements (advertisements) on the Internet. This
condition shall apply to cases where only the name of a political
party, association of political parties, or the given name and
surname of a candidate, time and place of the meeting are
indicated in the announcement (advertisement). When distributing
the announcement (advertisement), the political party,
association of political parties, or candidate who paid for the
distribution of the announcement (advertisement) shall be clearly
and unambiguously indicated. The conditions laid down in Section
18, Paragraphs two, three and four of this Law for the
notification and placement of pre-election campaign price lists
shall not apply to the price lists of such announcements
(advertisements).
[10 June 2021]
Chapter
VI
Pre-election Campaigns in Public Places
Section 20. Right to Distribute
Pre-election Campaign Materials in Public Places
(1) For the purposes of a pre-election campaign, a campaigner
has the right to address voters, distribute leaflets, newspapers
and other pre-election campaign materials in public outdoor areas
without agreement thereupon with the relevant local government or
the owner (possessor) of the relevant public outdoor area. Within
the meaning of this Law, public outdoor areas shall be places,
squares, parks, streets, roads, bridges, tunnels and other
similar places that regardless of the ownership at the relevant
time are publicly available for free or for charge to an
indefinite number of persons.
(2) For the purposes of a pre-election campaign, a campaigner
has the right to address voters, distribute leaflets, newspapers
and other pre-election campaign materials in public indoor
premises by agreeing thereupon with the owner (possessor) of the
relevant premises in advance.
Section 21. Use of Tables, Tents and
Mobile Shelters for Pre-election Campaigns in Public Outdoor
Areas
(1) A campaigner has the right to conduct the pre-election
campaign in public outdoor areas, regardless of ownership, to
place there tables and erect tents and portable shelters which do
not exceed dimensions determined by the local government by
informing in writing the relevant local government thereof at
least three days in advance, as well as by agreeing thereupon in
writing with the owner (possessor) of the relevant place. If the
only owner or all joint owners of the relevant place are a State
authority or an authority of derived public entities or a capital
company in which more than 50 per cent of capital shares (stocks)
belong to the State or derived public entity, agreement with the
owner (possessor) is not required.
(2) A local government which has received a written
notification from the campaigner referred to in Paragraph one of
this Section on the placing of tables, erecting of tents or
movable shelters for conducting the pre-election campaign shall,
upon a request by the campaigner, provide information on who is
the owner (possessor) of the relevant site.
(3) At least 120 days prior to an election day, a local
governments may determine those public outdoor areas where tables
may not be placed and tents and portable shelters may not be
erected and the time when tables may not be placed and tents and
portable shelters may not be erected. During the 120-day period
prior elections, local governments may determine additional
restrictions only in relation to previously unforeseen
events.
(4) The provisions of Paragraph one of this Section shall not
apply to cases where the tables placed and tents and portable
shelters erected themselves are used as election campaign
material. In such cases, the provisions of Section 22 of this Law
shall apply.
(5) The provisions of this Section shall not apply if the
campaigner organizes a public entertainment and festive event the
occurrence of which is governed by the Public Entertainment and
Festive Events Security Law, or organizes a meeting, procession
or picket in conformity with the Law On Meetings, Processions and
Pickets.
Section 22. Placement of
Pre-election Campaign Materials in Public Places
(1) Issues relating to the placement of pre-election campaign
materials in the public outdoor areas or in front of the public
outdoor areas (signs, stands, posters, boards, mobile billboards,
placed placards, advertising on window displays and other similar
advertising objects) are governed by the laws and regulations on
the placement of advertising insofar as this Law does not provide
otherwise.
(2) A campaigner or its authorised person shall enter into the
contract on the placement of pre-election campaign materials in
public outdoor areas or in front of public outdoor areas (signs,
stands, posters, boards, mobile billboards, placed placards,
advertising on window displays and other similar advertising
objects) directly and without mediators only with the advertising
service provider.
(3) An advertising service provider who offers to place the
pre-election campaign materials in public outdoor areas or in
front of public outdoor areas (signs, stands, posters, boards,
mobile billboards, placed placards, advertising on window
displays and other similar advertising objects) shall, at least
150 days before the election day, send to the Corruption
Prevention and Combating Bureau the price lists for the placement
of pre-election campaign materials, including the planned
discounts and criteria for the application of discounts, for the
entire period of pre-election campaign. If the Saeima has
been dissolved or recalled or a local government council is
dissolved, or repeat elections are announced, the advertising
service provider shall send the price lists for the placement of
pre-election campaign materials for the entire pre-election
period, including planned discounts and criteria for the
application of discounts, to the Corruption Prevention and
Combating Bureau not later than within three working days from
the day when the elections are announced. The Corruption
Prevention and Combating Bureau shall, without delay, publish the
abovementioned information on its website.
(4) An advertising service provider who offers to place
pre-election campaign materials in public outdoor areas or in
front of public outdoor areas (signs, stands, posters, boards,
mobile billboards, placed placards, advertising on window
displays and other similar advertising objects) may not place the
pre-election campaign materials for a price that is higher or
lower than that specified in the price lists referred to in
Paragraph three of this Section. Such price lists may not be
amended after their publication.
(5) If an advertising service provider has not sent the price
lists for the placement of pre-election campaign materials to the
Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau in compliance with the
provisions of this Section and within the time limits provided
therein, such advertising service provider may not place the
pre-election campaign materials during the pre-election campaign
materials.
(6) Provisions referred to in Paragraphs two, three, four and
five of this Section shall not apply to a pre-election campaign
conducted by an unrelated person in compliance with the
restrictions laid down in this Law.
(7) The campaigner who paid for the pre-election campaign
shall be clearly and unambiguously indicated within the framework
of each pre-election campaign material.
(8) A local government fee for the placement of advertising,
posters and advertisements in public places shall be paid for the
placement of pre-election campaign materials in public use
outdoor areas or in front of public use outdoor areas (signs,
stands, posters, boards, mobile billboards, placed placards,
advertising on window displays and other similar advertising
objects) if the local government has set such a fee for
pre-election campaign materials. A fee set by a local government
for the placement of advertising, posters and advertisements in
public places with regard to pre-election campaign materials
shall not exceed amount of the lowest fee which is set in the
specific place for the placement of advertising materials of
goods and services.
[16 June 2016; 10 June 2021]
Section 22.1 Restrictions
in Relation to the Placement of Pre-election Campaign Materials
in Public Places
(1) The following may not be used for the placement of
pre-election campaign materials in public outdoor areas (signs,
stands, posters, boards, mobile billboards, placed placards,
advertising on window displays and other similar advertising
objects):
1) buildings of State and local government institutions;
2) church buildings and houses of worship;
3) buildings of bus terminals, railway stations, airports and
passenger ports;
4) architectural and art monuments of State significance;
5) buildings which belong to:
a) State authorities and authorities of derived public
entities and capital companies in which more than 50 per cent of
capital shares (stocks) belong to the State or derived public
entities;
b) capital companies in which more than 50 per cent of capital
shares (stocks) belong to one or several capital companies of
State authorities or derived public entities individually or
jointly.
(2) At least 150 days prior to the election day, a local
government has, in compliance with provisions of this Law and
other laws and regulations, the right to issue binding
regulations on the placement of pre-election campaign materials
in public places and in front of public places by providing
restrictions for the size, type, visual and sound effects of
pre-election campaign materials in accordance with the
environment and architecture of buildings and structures, as well
as determine places in addition to those referred to in Paragraph
one of this Section where pre-election campaign materials may not
be placed. The restrictions specified for pre-election campaign
materials shall not be stricter than the restrictions specified
by the local government for the placement of advertising
materials of goods and services.
[16 June 2016]
Section 23. Prohibition to Create
Advantages
(1) The State and authorities of derived public entities, as
well as capital companies in which more than 50 per cent of
capital shares (stocks) belong to the State or derived public
entities are prohibited from creating advantages or disadvantages
to a campaigner for the placement of pre-election campaign
materials in public places.
(2) If the State or an authority of derived public entity, or
capital company in which more than 50 per cent of capital shares
(stocks) belong to the State or derived public entity grants the
right to the campaigner to place pre-election campaign materials
in places where they are allowed to be placed them in accordance
with this Law or other laws, this authority or the capital
company has an obligation to provide an opportunity to acquire
such right under the same conditions also to other campaigners
upon their wish.
Chapter
VII
Ancillary Provisions for Pre-election Campaigns in State
Authorities and Authorities of Derived Public Entities and
Capital Companies in which More than 50 Per Cent of Capital
Shares (Stocks) Belong to the State or Derived Public Entities
and the Ensuring of Equal Treatment
Section 24. Prohibition to Place and
Distribute Pre-election Campaign Materials in State Authorities
and Authorities of Derived Public Entities and Capital Companies
in which More than 50 Per Cent of Capital Shares (Stocks) Belong
to the State or Derived Public Entities
(1) Pre-election campaign materials may not be placed and
distributed in the premises of the buildings where State
authorities and authorities of derived public entities and
capital companies in which more than 50 per cent of capital
shares (stocks) belong to the State or derived public entities
are located, as well as in the shared-use facilities of such
buildings.
(2) This restriction shall not apply to the materials of
informative nature by the Central Election Commission on the
Saeima, the European Parliament and local government
elections, as well as to the cases referred to in Section 25 of
this Law.
Section 25. Allocation of Premises
to the Campaigner to Organise Meetings with Voters
State authorities and authorities of derived public entities
and capital companies in which more than 50 per cent of capital
shares (stocks) belong to the State or derived public entities
may allocate premises to the campaigner where to organise
meetings with voters free of charge or for charge which does not
exceed the actual maintenance expenses of such premises.
Section 26. Equal Treatment with
Regard to the Use of Property or Resource in State Authorities
and Authorities of Derived Public Entities and Capital Companies
in which More than 50 Per Cent of Capital Shares (Stocks) Belong
to the State or Derived Public Entities
If a State authority or an authority of derived public
entities or a capital company in which more than 50 percent of
capital shares (stocks) belong to the State or derived public
entities has allocated premises or other property or resource
transferred under the possession thereof for a pre-election
campaign to a campaigner, it has an obligation to provide other
campaigners with an opportunity to use such property or resource
on the same conditions upon their wish.
Chapter
VIII
Record-keeping of Pre-election Campaign
Section 27. Record-keeping of
Pre-election Campaign and Expenses Thereof
(1) Electronic mass media, publications, as well as persons
which have reached an agreement with a campaigner on the
placement of pre-election campaign materials for charge in public
places (regardless of ownership), on the Internet (except for the
website of the campaigner) or on the provision of postal
(including electronic mail) services to send pre-election
campaign materials shall keep records of the pre-election
campaign (pre-election expenses), identifying each campaigner or
recipient of post services, amount of funds acquired for the
placement of the relevant pre-election campaign material or the
postal service, as well as persons who have entered into the
relevant contract on behalf of the campaigner (commissioner).
(2) Electronic mass media, publications, as well as persons
which have reached an agreement with a campaigner on the
placement of pre-election campaign materials for charge in public
places (regardless of ownership), on the Internet (except for the
website of the campaigner) or on provision of postal (including
electronic mail) services to send pre-election campaign
materials, shall send a notification to the Corruption Prevention
and Combating Bureau on the placement of pre-election campaign
materials or provision of postal services not later than within
three working days after entering into the contract or making
amendments to the contract entered into.
(3) A campaigner which has reached an agreement with an
electronic mass medium, publication, as well as persons on the
placement of pre-election campaign materials for charge in public
places (regardless of ownership), on the Internet (except for the
website of the campaigner) or on the provision of postal
(including electronic mail) services to send pre-election
campaign materials shall send a notification to the Corruption
Prevention and Combating Bureau on the foreseen placement of
pre-election campaign materials or provision of postal services
not later than within three working days after entering into the
contract or making amendments to the contract entered into.
(4) The following shall be indicated in the notification
referred to Paragraphs two and three of this Section:
1) the date and number of the contract;
2) information on contracting parties:
a) the name, registration number and registered address of the
entity placing the pre-election campaign material (service
provider) - legal person;
b) the given name, surname, personal identity number (if there
is none - the date of birth, personal identification document
number and date of issue, country and authority that has issued
the document) and the address of the declared place of residence
of the person placing the pre-election campaign material (service
provider) - natural person;
c) the name, registration number and registered address of the
entity placing the pre-election campaign material (service
provider) - registered association of legal or natural
persons;
d) the name, registration number and legal address of the
campaigner (commissioning party) - legal persons, including
political parties, associations of political parties;
e) the given name, surname, personal identity number (if there
is none - the date of birth, personal identification document
number and date of issue, country and authority that has issued
the document) and the address of the declared place of residence
of the campaigner (commissioning party) - natural person;
f) the name, registration number and registered address of the
campaigner (commissioning party) - registered association of
legal or natural persons;
g) the given name, surname, personal identity number (if there
is none - the date of birth, personal identification document
number and date of issue, country and authority that has issued
the document) and the address of the declared place of residence
or name, registration number and registered address of the person
which entered into the contract on behalf of the campaigner
(commissioning party);
3) information regarding the placement of pre-election
campaign material (if the contract is on the placement of
pre-election campaign materials):
a) the date, broadcasting time and duration of the placement
of each pre-election campaign material if the pre-election
campaign material is placed in a broadcast or programme of the
electronic mass medium;
b) the date and size of the placement of each pre-election
campaign material if the pre-election campaign material is placed
in a publication;
c) the date, place and size of the placement and removal of
each pre-election campaign material if the pre-election campaign
material is placed in a public place;
d) the time, place and size of the placement, as well as the
time of removal of each pre-election campaign material if the
pre-election campaign material is placed on the Internet;
4) the time and scope of the provision of postal services (if
the contract is on the provision of postal services);
5) the contract sum (with value added tax);
6) the discounts applied and justification thereof, as well as
the contract sum (with value added tax), which would have been
effected in case if discounts were not applied;
7) the procedures and terms for the payment of contract
sum;
8) other information which is considered essential by the
entity placing the pre-election campaign material (service
provider).
(5) The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall, in
accordance with the procedures laid down in laws and regulations,
purchase information (records) on the pre-election campaign in
the mass media, on the Internet and in public areas.
(6) A political organisation, an association of political
organisations, a candidate or an unrelated person shall send a
notification on the pre-election expenses to the Corruption
Prevention and Combating Bureau, indicating therein the date,
place and amount of expenses or the benefit disbursed and amount,
date and beneficiary of a gift (donation), not later than within
three working days after the funding or sponsoring of a charity
event or giving the benefit or gift (donation).
Chapter
IX
Control of Pre-election Campaigns
Section 28. Warning of Exceeding the
Limits of Pre-election Expenses
If during the pre-election campaign period the Corruption
Prevention and Combating Bureau determines that a political party
or association of political parties have entered into contracts
on sum which exceeds the amount of admissible pre-election
expenses laid down in the Law on Financing of Political
Organisations (Parties) or an unrelated person has entered into
contracts on the sum which exceeds the amount of expenses
referred to in Section 5, Paragraph two of this Law, however, the
former pre-election campaign has not been conducted for a sum
exceeding the admissible amount of pre-election expenses laid
down in the Law on Financing of Political Organisations (Parties)
or the amount of expenses referred to in Section 5, Paragraph two
of this Law, the head of the Corruption Prevention and Combating
Bureau shall inform the relevant campaigner of such violation.
Elimination of a violation shall not release the campaigner from
the liability laid down by the law.
Section 29. Decision on the
Prohibition to Further Conduct of Pre-election Campaigns
(1) If during the pre-election campaign period the Corruption
Prevention and Combating Bureau determines that a political party
or an association of political parties has conducted pre-election
campaign for a sum exceeding the admissible amount of
pre-election expenses laid down in the Law on Financing of
Political Organisations (Parties) or an unrelated person has
conducted campaign for a sum exceeding the amount of expenses
referred to in Section 5, Paragraph two of this Law, the head of
the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall decide on
the prohibition to further conduct pre-election campaign for
charge.
(2) The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall,
without delay. publish the information on taking, revocation or
amending of the decision referred to Paragraph one of this
Section on its website.
(3) The decision referred to in Paragraph one of this Section
may be appealed to the District Administrative Court. Lodging of
an application to the court does not suspend the operation of the
decision.
(4) The court shall examine the cases referred to in Paragraph
three of this Section within three working days from the receipt
of the application in accordance with the procedures laid down in
the Administrative Procedure Law. The burden of proof shall lie
with the participants of the administrative proceedings. If the
law determines a time limit for the execution of any procedural
step, however, the conditions referred to in this Paragraph would
not be complied with if the relevant procedural step would be
executed within the time limit laid down in the law, the judge
(court) himself or herself shall determine a relevant time limit
for the execution of the relevant procedural step.
(5) A judgment of the District Administrative Court, which has
been taken on the issues referred to in Paragraph one of this
Section, shall be executed without delay. If the court passes the
abbreviated judgment, it shall announce the judgment in the court
hearing.
(6) The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall
publish without delay the information on court judgment in
accordance with the procedures laid down in Paragraph two of this
Section.
Section 30. Decision on the
Prohibition of Electronic Mass Media and Publications to Place
Pre-election Campaign Materials
(1) If, under the conditions referred to in Section 29,
Paragraph one of this Law, the Corruption Prevention and
Combating Bureau determines that further pre-election campaign by
a relevant campaigner is intended in certain electronic mass
media programmes or publications, or in public places, the head
of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau in conformity
with the requirements of Paragraph two of this Section shall take
the decision to prohibit the relevant electronic mass media or
the publications, or the persons who place the pre-election
campaign materials in public places to place such pre-election
campaign materials.
(2) To take the decision referred to in Paragraph one of this
Section, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall, in
accordance with the procedures laid down in laws and regulations,
hear an opinion of the relevant electronic mass medium or
publication in the particular case, evaluate the usefulness of
the relevant decision, the feasibility of execution, as well as
the proportionality of the decision.
(3) The decision referred to in Paragraph one of this Section
may be appealed to the District Administrative Court. Lodging of
an application to the court does not suspend the operation of the
decision. The decision shall be examined in accordance with the
requirements Section 29, Paragraph four of this Law.
(4) If the decision referred to in Section 29, Paragraph one
of this Law is repealed, the decision referred to in Paragraph
one of this Section shall cease to be in effect. The Corruption
Prevention and Combating Bureau shall inform the relevant
electronic mass medium or publication thereof without delay.
(5) Taking of the decision referred to in Paragraph one of
this Section shall not impose an obligation on an electronic mass
medium or publication to compensate the campaigner the expenses
related to the non-placement of the campaign materials.
Section 31. Consequences of the
Noncompliance with the Amount Limits of Pre-election Expenses
(1) The campaigner shall bear liability laid down in the law
for non-compliance with the amount limits of pre-election
campaign expenses (pre-election expenses).
(2) If the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau
establishes a violation of the provisions of Section 5, Paragraph
two of this Law, the head of the Corruption Prevention and
Combating Bureau has an obligation to, after the end of the
pre-election campaign period, request the unrelated person to
transfer financial resources into the State budget in such amount
which conforms to the amount exceeding the limits of pre-election
campaign expenses within 30 days. Upon a request of the relevant
person, the head of the Corruption Prevention and Combating
Bureau may divide the transfer of funds in time limits not
exceeding 90 days in total.
(3) Issues related to the obligation of political parties and
their associations to transfer funds into the State budget in the
case of exceeding the amount limits of pre-election expenses are
governed by the Law on Financing of Political Organisations
(Parties).
(4) The head of the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau
may take the decisions referred to in Paragraph two of this
Section on the transfer of funds into the State budget not later
than within four years from the day when the violation was
committed.
Chapter X
Other Restrictions Related to Pre-election Campaigns
Section 32. Prohibition on the
Placement of Pre-election Campaign Materials
(1) On the election day and the day before the election day,
the placement of pre-election campaign materials in electronic
mass media radio programmes and broadcasts, public outdoor areas
and indoor premises, publications, and authorities and capital
companies referred to in Section 25 of this Law, as well as
conducting of campaign as a paid service on public electronic
communication networks, including the Internet (without applying
this to websites of political parties and associations thereof)
is prohibited, with the exception of placement of the
announcements (advertisements) referred to in Sections 14, 17,
and 19 of this Law which provide information on the meeting of a
political party, association of political parties, or candidate
with voters.
(2) On the election day and also 30 days prior to the election
day, the placement of pre-election campaign materials in radio
programmes and broadcasts of an electronic mass medium with the
exception of the case referred to in Paragraph one of this
Section, as well as in cases where, according to the provisions
of Chapter II of this Law, the right to the State ensured free
broadcasting time is used or a participation in pre-election
broadcasts in television programmes of an electronic mass medium
is ensured within the framework of the public remit.
(3) Within the meaning of this Section, discussion programmes
produced by electronic mass media shall not be considered as
placement of pre-election campaign, materials if payment for the
production and distribution of such programmes is not received
from the campaigner.
(4) Within the meaning of Paragraph one of this Section, the
campaigner's office area is not considered as public indoor
premises.
[13 December 2012; 16 June 2016; 10 June 2021]
Section 33. Prohibition to Use
Administrative Resources
(1) Administrative resources may not be used pre -election
campaigns.
(2) Within the meaning of this Section, the use of
administrative resources shall be considered as the use of funds,
movable and immovable property or provision of services of a
State authority and an authority of derived public entity and
capital companies in which the capital shares (stocks) belong to
the State or derived public entities, as well as of the capital
companies in which capital shares (stocks) owned by one or more
State capital companies or capital companies of derived public
entities individually or in collectively exceed 50 per cent for
the conduct of pre-election campaigns, as well as advertising of
these authorities for charge within the period of 30 days before
the elections, if the relevant advertisement with regard to its
content is related to reflecting of a candidate, political party,
association of political parties, as well as candidates for the
position of the Prime Minister or a Minister nominated by the
administrative bodies of a political party or association of
political parties, or reflecting a person related to a political
party or an association of political parties or reflecting of
activities by such a candidate or person.
(3) Allocation of premises for the conduct of pre-election
campaign, if the provisions of Chapter VII of this Law are
complied with, as well as the use of the resources which are used
to provide State protection (security) to senior State officials
to whom it must be provided in accordance with laws and
regulations shall not be considered as the use of administrative
resources in so far as the use of resources is needed to provide
protection (security) for the relevant State officials.
(4) Within the meaning of Paragraph two of this Section, a
person related to a political party or association of political
parties shall be an official, a member of the political party or
association of political parties, or such person who during the
last 18 months before the elections has had business relations
with the relevant political party or association of political
parties in relation to the provision of services to that
political party or association of political parties, by planning,
preparing or organising the election campaign, or such person who
has been a an employee, official or a member of the political
party or political association within the last 18 months before
the elections.
(5) Pre-election campaign materials may not be placed in
publications issued by a State authority or an authority of
derived public entities or capital companies in which capital
shares (stocks) belong to the State or derived public entities,
as well as the capital companies in which capital shares (stocks)
owned by one or more State capital companies or capital companies
of derived public entities individually or collectively exceed 50
per cent.
(6) Interviews with candidates or candidates for the position
of the Prime Minister or a Minister nominated by administrative
bodies of a political party or association political parties, as
well as articles which indicate that the person mentioned in it
is a candidate for the position of the Prime Minister or a
Minister nominated by administrative bodies of a political party
or association of political parties, may not be placed on
election day, as well as 30 days prior to the election day in
publications issued by a State authority or an authority of
derived public entities or capital companies in which the capital
shares (stocks) owned by one or more State capital companies or
capital companies of derived public entities individually or
collectively exceed 50 per cent.
(7) The execution of restrictions referred to in this Section
shall be controlled by the Corruption Prevention and Combating
Bureau.
Section 34. Liability for
Non-compliance with the Restrictions on the Use of Administrative
Resources
(1) Officials or employees of State authorities or authorities
of derived public entities or capital companies in which capital
shares (stocks) belong to the State or a derived public entity,
as well as of capital companies in which capital shares (stocks)
owned by one or more State capital companies or capital companies
of derived public entities individually or collectively exceed 50
per cent who have used the funds or property of the relevant
authorities unlawfully, by violating the restrictions on the use
of administrative resources laid down in this Law, shall bear the
liability laid down by the law for the non-compliance with the
restrictions on the use administrative resources in pre-election
campaigns.
(2) The funds and property used unlawfully by violating the
restrictions on the use of administrative resources in
pre-election campaigns laid down in this Law shall be under the
jurisdiction of the State by presuming that by violating the
restrictions on the use of administrative resources determined by
the State, the official or employee has caused such harm to the
State administrative order as is to be evaluated in financial
terms and corresponds to the value of financial resources or
property used in a prohibited manner.
(3) In accordance with the provisions of this Section,
officials or employees referred to in this Section have an
obligation to reimburse the losses incurred.
(4) The Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau shall
demand the reimbursement of the losses in accordance with the
Administrative Procedure Law by issuing administrative act on
reimbursement of losses incurred and conducting activities for
the execution of the administrative act as set out in the laws
and regulations. The execution thereof shall be ensured through
the bailiff.
(5) Losses from officials or employees shall be recovered
irrespective of whether the relevant officials or employees are
held administratively liable for the violation of the provisions
of this Law.
Chapter
XI
Administrative Offences in the Field of Pre-election Campaigns
and Competence in the Administrative Offence Proceedings
[11 June 2020 / Chapter shall
come into force on 1 July 2020. See Paragraph 4 of Transitional
Provisions]
Section 35. Administrative Offences
in the Field of Pre-election Campaigns
(1) For the violation of the procedures for pre-election
campaigns laid down in this Law or failure to comply with the
restrictions specified for pre-election campaigns, a warning or a
fine from ten to one hundred units of fine shall be imposed on a
natural person, but a fine from one hundred to one thousand four
hundred and twenty units of fine - on a legal person.
(2) For the failure to comply with the procedures for the
placement or record-keeping of pre-election campaign materials in
the field of operation of electronic mass media, a fine from ten
to one hundred units of fine shall be imposed on a natural
person, but a fine from one hundred to one thousand four hundred
and twenty units of fine - on a legal person.
[11 June 2020; 22 June 2023]
Section 36. Competence in
Administrative Offence Proceedings
(1) Administrative offence proceedings for the offences
referred to in Section 35, Paragraph one of this Law shall be
conducted by the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau or
the State Language Centre (for the offences in the field of the
use of the official language).
(2) Administrative offence proceedings for the offences
referred to in Section 35, Paragraph two of this Law shall be
conducted by the National Electronic Mass Media Council or the
State Language Centre (for the offences in the field of the use
of the official language).
(3) Until examination of the case, administrative offence
proceedings for the offences referred to in Section 35, Paragraph
one of this Law if such offences have been established by the
officials of the State Police or municipal police shall be
conducted by the State Police or municipal police, but the
administrative offence case shall be examined by the Corruption
Prevention and Combating Bureau or the State Language Centre (for
the offences in the field of the use of the official
language).
[22 June 2023]
Transitional
Provisions
[13 December 2012]
1. With the coming into force of this Law, the Law on
Pre-election Campaigns Before the Saeima Elections and
Elections to the European Parliament (Latvijas Republikas
Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta Ziņotājs, 1995, No. 18, 1998,
No. 21; 2002, No. 16; 2004, No. 7; 2005, No 20; 2009, No. 5;
Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2010, No. 91; 2011, No. 144) and the
law On Pre-election Campaigns Before the Local Government
Elections (Latvijas Republikas Saeimas un Ministru Kabineta
Ziņotājs, 1994, No. 8; 2002, No. 6; 2005, No. 20; 2009, No.
5) are repealed.
[13 December 2012]
2. With regard to the local government elections intended on 1
June 2013, the provisions referred to in Section 11, Paragraph
three, Section 16, Paragraph two and Section 18, Paragraph two of
this Law shall be considered fulfilled if the electronic mass
medium, the publication and the advertising service provider
which offers to place the pre-election campaign materials on the
Internet for payment have, in conformity with the provisions of
this Law, sent the relevant price lists for the broadcasting time
of pre-election campaigns or the price lists for the placement of
pre-election campaign materials for the entire pre-election
campaign period for publication to the National Electronic Mass
Media Council or to the Corruption Prevention and Combating
Bureau at least 135 days before the day of the abovementioned
elections.
[13 December 2012]
3. To ensure fulfilment of the provision included in the first
sentence of Section 10, Paragraph three of this Law, funds from
the programme 02.00.00 "Funds for Unseen Events" of the
Department 74 "Financing to be Reallocated During the Annual
State Budget Implementation Process" of the State budget shall be
reallocated in accordance with the procedures laid down in laws
and regulations.
[13 December 2012]
4. Chapter XI of this Law shall come into force concurrently
with the Law on Administrative Liability.
[11 June 2020]
The Law shall come into force on 1 January 2013.
The Law has been adopted by the Saeima on 29 November
2012.
President A. Bērziņš
Rīga, 19 December 2012
1The Parliament of the Republic of
Latvia
Translation © 2024 Valsts valodas centrs (State
Language Centre)