Riga, 1 October 2022 (dpa/MIA) — Overshadowed by Russia's war against Ukraine and concerns about rising energy costs, Latvia is to elect a new parliament on Saturday. A good 1.5 million eligible voters in the Baltic country are being called upon to vote from 0400 GMT for the 100 seats in the Saeima. However, already ahead of the vote, the process to form a government is likely to be difficult. According to opinion polls, no party is set to obtain an absolute majority and between seven and 12 parties could make it into parliament. The liberal-conservative Jauna Vienotiba party of Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins is leading the polls. Karins currently heads a four-party alliance of conservative parties and forces from the center. Whether this coalition will remain in power is questionable. As a neighbor to Russia, the consequences of Moscow's war in Ukraine could affect the political scenario in Latvia. The opposition Harmony party is likely to lose its current position as the strongest political force as its core voters belong to a active Russian minority. The party has not taken a solid position over the war in Ukraine. Since the invasion, the use of Russian language, the loyalty of ethnic Russians in Latvia and different interpretations of history have become sensitive topics. Many citizens are also very concerned about the sharp rise in energy prices and high inflation.