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Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign affairs has cautioned about increasing risks of Russian interference aimed at influencing the upcoming parliamentary elections, according to a report from BNN News.
Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs adn Election Security
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The Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the government body responsible for Latvia’s foreign policy, including safeguarding the democratic process. The Ministry has identified a growing threat of Russian interference in Latvia’s parliamentary elections.
Detail: This interference takes various forms, including disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and attempts to sow discord within Latvian society. The ministry emphasizes the need for vigilance and proactive measures to counter these threats. The Ministry’s concerns stem from observed patterns of Russian activity in other European countries, especially during recent elections.
Example: In December 2023, Latvia’s Security Service (Drošības Dienests) reported an increase in disinformation narratives originating from Russia, targeting Latvian voters and institutions. These narratives aimed to undermine trust in the electoral process and promote pro-Russian viewpoints.
Central Election Commission of Latvia Role
The Central Election Commission of Latvia (CVK) is the autonomous institution responsible for organizing and conducting free and fair elections. The CVK works to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and protect it from external interference.
Detail: The CVK collaborates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Security Service to identify and mitigate potential threats. This includes implementing cybersecurity measures, monitoring media for disinformation, and educating voters about the risks of foreign interference. The CVK also has the authority to investigate and prosecute electoral offenses.
Example: The CVK issued a statement on January 10, 2024, urging media outlets to be vigilant against the spread of disinformation during the election period and to verify facts from reliable sources.
Russian Interference Tactics
Russia has consistently employed a range of tactics to interfere in the democratic processes of other countries.These tactics are designed to undermine public trust, sow division, and influence electoral outcomes.
Detail: Common tactics include the creation and dissemination of false or misleading information through social media and online news sources, the use of cyberattacks to disrupt electoral systems, and the funding of political groups or candidates aligned with Russian interests. Russia also utilizes state-controlled media outlets to promote its narratives and denigrate opposing viewpoints.
Example: The U.S. Department of Justice indicted several Russian nationals in 2018 for their involvement in a coordinated effort to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, using similar tactics to those now being observed in Latvia.
Latvian Government Response
The Latvian government is actively taking steps to counter Russian interference and protect the integrity of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Detail: These
