The 99-member Saeima

UNCLAS RIGA 000391 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV LG SUBJECT: The 99-member Saeima ¶1. (U) As Latvia approaches Presidential elections on May 31, it is worth noting that the Saeima (parliament) is missing one member, and is working with only 99 members, rather than the usual 100. Juris Boldans, (Fatherland and Freedom (TB)/LNNK),is not currently entitled to take part or cast votes in the Saeima and its committee sessions due to charges of falsification of ballots in favor of himself in last October's election. He is suspended until the charges are removed or the court finds him guilty. The court's decision is expected on June 12. ¶2. (U) The day after the Saeima elections in October 2006, a member of a regional election committee reported alleged organized falsification of ballots in support of TB/LNNK candidate Juris Boldans. However, the Saeima approved his mandate as a member of parliament before criminal charges were brought against him, thus creating the current situation. He is not able to participate in sessions of the Saeima and its committees', but is entitled to observe Saeima sessions in the gallery and has been assigned a working office. Though Boldans has admitted no guilt, he has left his political party. If he does leave parliament, his seat would go TB/LNNK and the coalition would pick up an extra vote in the Saeima. Waser