Estonia’s parliament begins process to elect new president

Estonia’s parliament is meeting on September 2 to elect a new president, with Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise the only candidate for the largely ceremonial post.

Madise needs the support of at least 68 of the 101 members of the Riigikogu, a two-thirds majority, to be elected, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The incumbent president, Alar Karis, has said he will not seek a second term.

Madise, a 51-year-old lawyer, was nominated by 75 MPs from the governing Reform Party and Eesti 200, as well as the opposition Social Democrats and conservative Isamaa party.

She has served as Chancellor of Justice since 2015, overseeing the constitutional and legal compliance of legislation and government action.

If she fails to secure the required majority in secret ballot, parliament will hold another vote on September 3 when new candidates can be nominated.

If no president is elected in that round, a third vote will be held between the two candidates who receive the most votes. Should neither secure the required majority, an electoral college must be convened within one month, with local politicians forming the majority of its members.

By Aghakazim Guliyev