Party Together told the electoral commission that they are having difficulty opening a bank account in Estonia. This means they have problems participating in elections because they cannot pay for candidates.
Igor Hopp, a member of the party, wrote that according to the law, parties must pay for candidates. However, Party Together cannot open a bank account because banks do not allow it. Therefore, they cannot pay.
Hopp asked whether candidates can pay from their own bank accounts or whether a legal entity can pay on their behalf. He wanted to know how to ensure all rules are correct.
Hopp also wrote that without a bank account, it is difficult to participate in elections. This could be a problem for democracy and the rule of law.
Arne Koitmäe, head of the electoral service, said that according to the law, the party must pay for candidates from its own bank account. A third party does not have the right to pay on behalf of the party.
Koitmäe added that third-party payments are prohibited. If someone wishes to pay, they must give the money to the party. The party must use only its own accounts, which they have reported to the commission.