Speaker of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar (E200) announced that he convened the Board of Elders. The meeting will be held on August 11. They will discuss the upcoming presidential elections. They will also talk about how to elect the next President of the Republic of Estonia in parliament.
Hussar said that currently Ülle Madise has the broadest support as a candidate. Ülle Madise is the Chancellor of Justice. Hussar mentioned that Madise said: if it is possible to elect a president across party lines, she will responsibly consider this opportunity.
The Board of Elders will also discuss how to find a candidate with broad support. The Reform Party and Eesti 200 want Madise as president. Madise has not yet announced her decision. The Social Democratic Party also supports Madise's candidacy.
Isamaa and the Centre Party do not have their own candidates. These parties are in opposition in the Riigikogu. Both parties do not rule out the possibility of supporting Madise.
Other people have also said they want to run for president. For example, Hannes Hanso (diplomat), Indrek Laul (entrepreneur), Maive Rute (EU official), and Riho Ühtegi (retired military officer). The media has also mentioned the name of Jonatan Vseviov (Chancellor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Currently, only EKRE has a confirmed candidate. They want Mart Helme as president. However, to nominate Mart Helme as a candidate in the Riigikogu, at least 21 votes are needed. EKRE does not have that many votes.
Presidential candidates can be nominated starting from August 21. The first round of elections is on September 2.
The Riigikogu Board of Elders consists of members of the Riigikogu Board and the leaders of Riigikogu factions.