The first competitive elections under democratic conditions, following the overcoming of autocratic systems, have a significant influence on the development of political parties and the party system. They are therefore at the center of the series on "Founding Elections" in the formerly socialist transformation states of Eastern Europe, edited by Hans-Dieter Klingemann and Charles L. Taylor. This volume describes and analyzes the situation in Latvia after 1993. Special attention is given to the parliamentary elections of 1993, 1995, and 1996. The founding of parties, coalition behavior of the parties, and the voting behavior of citizens are presented with consideration of the historical and institutional framework. Of particular interest is the analysis of the Latvian leadership and the media analysis. The appendix addresses the constitution and the electoral law.