Latvia's pro-Russian party looks set to top polls in general elections

Latvia's pro-Russian party Harmony, regularly the biggest party but never in government, looks set to top polls again in Saturday's general election, but pro-Europe parties registered strong gains, an exit poll suggested.

Latvia's pro-Russian party Harmony, regularly the biggest party but never in government, looks set to top polls again in Saturday's general election, but pro-Europe parties registered strong gains, an exit poll suggested.

The poll conducted by national broadcaster LTV said Harmony got 19.4 per cent while Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis' party Union of Greens and Farmers got 9.7 per cent and populist newcomers KPV LV got 11.5 per cent.

In an upset, liberal party the Development/Forgot 13.4 per cent and the conservative National Alliance got 12.6 per cent. Both have strongly pro-European stances.

The current ruling coalition of Union of Greens and Farmers, the National Alliance and Unity together got 29.2 per cent, meaning they would have to find at least one other coalition member to form a majority government.