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101 members of the Riigikogu 68 votes needed to win | ||||||||||||||||||||
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An indirect election took place in Estonia on 30 and 31 August 2021 to elect the president of Estonia, who is the country's head of state. The Riigikogu — the Parliament of Estonia — elected Alar Karis to serve in the office and he was sworn in as the 6th president on 11 October 2021. The incumbent, Kersti Kaljulaid, was eligible to seek reelection to a second, and final, term but failed to gain the endorsement of at least 21 MPs, which is required in order for a candidate to register, as she was outspoken against some of the policies of the government, who thus denied her support.[1]
The election, being one of an unopposed candidate (a first under the 1992 constitution[2]), caused an outcry as it was compared with those held under the Soviet occupation of the country. Described as "unethical", it reignited previous calls for a reform of the electoral system, including direct election.[3][4][5] Referencing the "turmoil that surrounded the presidential selection process" in his post election speech, Karis called for changes of the system to be examined by the Riigikogu, such as using an enlarged electoral college, facilitating the nomination of candidates or even using direct election.[6]
- ^ "Estonia's MPs will pick its next president from a field of one". the Guardian. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
- ^ "Estonia on presidential election day as Karis stays sole candidate". 30 August 2021.
- ^ "Estonia faces prospect of an election with only one candidate". 28 August 2021.
- ^ "Only one candidate in Estonia presidential election". 28 August 2021.
- ^ Center Party says will table direct presidential elections bill
- ^ "Karis: I intend to be a balancer above all, and if necessary, a mediator". 11 October 2021.