Estonia’s parliament set to choose new president

dpa/NAN

Estonia’s parliament is set to elect a new president on Wednesday, with Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise the sole candidate for the largely ceremonial office.

A two-thirds majority, or 68 of the 101 members of the Riigikogu, is required for a candidate to win the presidency in Estomia.

Incumbent President Alar Karis had earlier announced that he would not seek re-election.

Madise, 51, was nominated by 75 lawmakers from the governing Reform Party and Eesti 200, alongside opposition Social Democrats and conservative Isamaa.

The lawyer has served as Chancellor of Justice since 2015, independently overseeing constitutional and legal compliance of legislation and government actions.

If Madise fails to secure the required majority in Wednesday’s secret ballot, another voting round will be held on Thursday.

New candidates may be nominated during the second round, while a third vote would be conducted as a run-off between the two leading candidates if necessary.

If the required majority is not achieved, a special electoral college, dominated by local politicians, will be convened within one month to elect the president.