In the wake of Latvia's lackluster presidential campaign, one political party has revived the idea of introducing direct elections to chose the nation's head of state.
The Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party will circulate a petition this summer calling for direct elections.
Similar attempts have been made previously, but have always collapsed over the proposed model of election and the powers vested in the head of state. Currently, Latvia's president is elected by a vote of parliament.
"The LSDSP is ready to return to the idea of a people-elected president, but in a different form," party chairman Janis Dinevics said. "The election of Latvian president must be handed over to people."
He said that amendments to the constitution would be necessary, but the functions of the president need not be reviewed.
If the president were elected by the people, he would have the people's mandate and a higher responsibility to the voters, said Dinevics.
He said that LSDSP would invite other parties of similar political orientation to support the campaign, as launching several separate campaigns would be illogical.
"We will invite everyone who agrees to our position of a president elected by the people without amending presidential powers," said Dinevics.
Latvian Prime Minister Aigars Kalvitis from the People's Party said it was necessary for the nation to discuss the issue.
