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 120^th 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 25^th 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)