Financial Crisis and Elections?

A potential consequence of the worldwide financial crisis is early elections, as economic pressure undermines public confidence in sitting governments. In the post-Soviet region, several governments have been hit hard, but it is in Latvia where pressure for early elections has increased. Earlier today, a protest calling for new elections turned violent in Riga. The BBC reported that 10,000 people participated in the initial, peaceful protest, the largest political demonstration since Latvia regained independence. Also see the Baltic Times and Chas (in Russian) for coverage. Photo: Reuters/Ints Kalnins (Latvia)

UPDATE (1/14/09): The New York Times reports that President Valdis Zatlers may call a referendum on dissolving parliament and holding early elections.