For the parliamentary elections in 2026, 14 party lists have been registered, featuring 1,434 candidates. Compared to the 2022 elections, the number of candidates has decreased by 395, or 21.6%. As a result, competition for parliamentary seats has also decreased. Four years ago, an average of 18.3 candidates vied for one seat in the Saeima, whereas now there are 14.3. The profile of the candidate has also changed. The average age has increased from 46.6 to 48.5 years, while the median age has risen from 46 to 48 years. The youngest participant in the elections is 20 years old, and the oldest is 88 years old. The oldest lists were presented by the Union of Greens and Farmers and the party "Latvia First." The youngest teams are from the "Gobzem's List" and the "Progressives." Even among the "Progressives," traditionally considered one of the youngest parties, the average age of candidates has increased compared to the previous elections. Another notable trend is the increase in the level of education. Almost 79% of candidates indicated having higher education, compared to 74.6% in the 2022 elections. Although in absolute numbers, the number of university graduates has decreased due to the overall reduction in candidates, their share has increased by more than four percentage points. Leading in this indicator are "New Unity," "United List," "Progressives," the Union of Greens and Farmers, and the party "We Change the Rules." The lowest share of candidates with higher education is found in the party "Stability!", "Gobzem's List," the association "Sovereign Power / Young Latvians," the party "Rising Sun for Latvia," and the association "Harmony Center." At the same time, the gender balance has not improved. Women make up 34% of candidates compared to 36.3% in the previous elections. The highest representation of women is in the party "Stability!", where there is an equal ratio of men to women, as well as among the "Progressives." The fewest women are on the lists of the National Alliance and the party "Rising Sun for Latvia." Interestingly, two-thirds of the participants in the current campaign have not previously run for the Saeima. In the 2022 elections, only 33.1% of the current candidates participated, while the rest are attempting to secure a seat in parliament for the first time. Moreover, candidates running again are more likely to own real estate and have declared savings. Real estate was indicated by 88% of such candidates compared to 74.1% among newcomers, while savings were declared by 40% versus 29.5%. Another distinction of the current campaign is the noticeable reduction in the number of candidates who did not indicate their nationality. Four years ago, this group accounted for over 31%, while now it is around 15%. Among the workplaces of candidates, the Saeima, local governments, higher education institutions, and self-employment still dominate. The largest number of candidates is associated with the parliament, although this number has decreased compared to previous elections. Overall, the analysis shows several trends. Political competition has become less mass-oriented—there are fewer party lists and candidates. At the same time, the average candidate has become older, more often has higher education, property, and experience in politics.