Latvia launched its first-ever signature collection campaign to initiate a local government referendum. The campaign concerns a proposal to dissolve the Jelgava Municipality Council.
Under the Law on Local Government Referendums, signature collection will continue for 30 days, until 26 August. Eligible to participate are Latvian and other EU citizens aged 18 or older who either reside in Jelgava Municipality or own real estate there. Any person eligible to vote in the referendum has the right to initiate the process. The proposal to dissolve the Jelgava Municipality Council was submitted by Raimonds Lejnieks-Puķe.
Residents can sign the initiative electronically or in person. Electronic signatures can be submitted via the e.cvk.lv and latvija.gov.lv portals using the e-service “Signature Collection for the Initiation of a National Referendum or Local Government Referendum.” In-person signatures can be submitted at residence declaration offices in Jelgava Municipality, the local Orphans’ Court, parish administration offices, or, for a fee, at notary offices throughout Latvia.
To trigger a referendum on dissolving the Jelgava Municipality Council, at least 30% of eligible voters—7,060 citizens—must sign the initiative. If this threshold is reached, the municipal election commission will verify the valid signatures within 20 working days, decide on holding the referendum, and set the voting date. The referendum must take place no later than four months after the decision to hold it is adopted.
