Latvians head to the polls amid concerns over rising cost of living and Russia

Partial results are expected on Saturday evening, with preliminary official results due on Sunday.

Polls opened on Saturday in Latvia's parliamentary election shaped by concerns over neighbouring Russia and the cost of living crisis. The Baltic state is a key pillar of NATO's eastern defensive flank, and experts say there is widespread support for supporting Ukraine in the war with Russia.

"The stance towards Russia is the main reason for Latvians' Western, NATO and European anchoring," a Western diplomat in Riga said, adding that it would be hard to imagine major political changes.

Polls predict the centre-right United List, led by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, will emerge the largest party in parliament in Saturday's vote.

But his centre-right coalition, which also brings together the centrist New Unity, nationalist National Alliance and the Union of Greens and Farmers, is expected to emerge weakened from the election.

Partial results are expected on Saturday evening, with preliminary official results due on Sunday.

The current governing coalition is made up of United List, New Unity, the Union of Greens and Farmers, and the National Alliance. Polls suggest the bloc is unlikely to retain power in its current form after the vote.

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