riigivalimiste

Riigivalimised refers to general elections held in Estonia to elect members of the Riigikogu, the country's parliament. These elections are a cornerstone of Estonian democracy, determining the composition of the legislative branch and influencing the formation of the government.

The Riigikogu is a unicameral body with 101 members. Members are elected through a system of proportional representation using open lists. This means voters can cast a vote for a political party, and within that party, they can also indicate a preference for a specific candidate. The electoral districts are based on administrative divisions of Estonia.

Estonian citizens who are at least 18 years old on the day of the election are eligible to vote. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and eligible to vote themselves. The election period is typically held in March, with the specific date determined by the President of Estonia based on the constitution.

The voting process in Estonia has embraced technological advancements. In addition to traditional in-person voting, e-voting has been a significant feature of Estonian elections since 2005, allowing citizens to cast their ballots online. This has contributed to high voter turnout.

The results of riigivalimised determine the distribution of seats in the Riigikogu. Following the election, the party or coalition of parties that can command a majority in parliament is invited by the President to form a government, usually led by a Prime Minister. These elections are therefore critical for shaping Estonia's political landscape and policy direction.