President Alar Karis said in his speech in Rapla that he will not run for president for a second term. He said: 'Dear Estonian people, as head of state, I wish you a happy Victory Day and a joyful Midsummer Eve for the last time.'
Karis decided after Midsummer Day to announce whether he would run for president again. Until now, the Center Party and Isamaa had said they supported Karis. Eesti 200 does not support Karis. The Reform Party and the Social Democratic Party have not yet decided.
EKRE wants its chairman Mart Helme to be president. The president is elected by the Riigikogu. The Riigikogu has the right to nominate candidates. To win, a candidate must receive at least 68 votes.
If no one receives enough votes, a new vote will be held. If no one wins then either, a third vote will be held. If there is still no winner, an electoral assembly will be convened.
The electoral assembly consists of members of the Riigikogu and representatives of local governments. The electoral assembly has 208 members. In the first round, two candidates who participated in the third round of the Riigikogu can run.
The candidate who receives a majority of votes will be elected. If no one wins, a second vote will be held between the two best candidates. If there is still no winner, the process starts again.
The Riigikogu will convene to elect the president on September 2.