Latvian Digital Democracy Platform ManaBalss.lv Faces Critical Funding Shortfall

ManaBalss.lv on the Brink Amidst Funding Crisis

Riga, Latvia – The acclaimed Latvian digital democracy platform, ManaBalss.lv, is facing severe financial difficulties, threatening its continued operation. The organization, which has been a cornerstone of civic engagement in Latvia for 14 years, announced that a drastic reduction in public donations has brought its income to a 'critical minimum', jeopardizing its future.

Founded in 2011 amidst public protests against oligarchic influence, ManaBalss.lv quickly established itself as a vital tool for citizens to propose initiatives and gather support for submission to the Saeima, Latvia's national parliament.

A Legacy of Democratic Innovation

ManaBalss.lv has garnered international recognition for its pioneering work in strengthening democracy, often cited as one of the most effective platforms of its kind globally. Its achievements include:

• 140 initiatives reaching the Saeima vote.
• 81 initiatives successfully enacted into law.
• Influencing significant constitutional changes, such as the shift to open presidential elections in the Saeima.
• Facilitating the adoption of 26 initiatives at the local government level.

As recently as May 2023, ManaBalss.lv received the prestigious 'Democracy Technologies of the Year' award from the Innovation In Politics Institute, underscoring its global impact. The platform has accumulated over 2.1 million votes and engaged more than 285,000 unique users since its inception.

Urgent Appeal for Public Support

The platform's operational model relies predominantly on public donations, supplemented by grants. However, a recent downturn in these contributions has created an unsustainable financial situation. Imants Breidaks, head of the ManaBalss organization, emphasized the profound implications of the platform's potential closure. 'If ManaBalss ceases to exist, then citizens will only have elections every four years. They will no longer directly and on a daily basis shape the agenda of the Saeima (Latvian parliament),' Breidaks stated. He further noted the difficulty of initiating referendums in Latvia, highlighting ManaBalss.lv's role as an accessible democratic instrument.

In response to the crisis, the ManaBalss team has launched an urgent appeal for donations to ensure its survival. Contributions, starting from as little as 0.50 EUR, are crucial for maintaining daily operations and supporting initiative authors. The organization holds public benefit status, allowing donors to receive tax benefits.

The Future of Citizen Participation

The uncertain future of ManaBalss.lv raises concerns about the landscape of digital democracy and citizen participation in Latvia. Its potential cessation would remove a significant avenue for direct public influence on legislative processes, leaving a void that traditional electoral cycles and referendums may struggle to fill. The platform's call for renewed public support underscores the ongoing need for sustainable funding models for digital civic initiatives.