Latvia's new parliament assembled for its first session on Tuesday to swear in lawmakers and elect leaders in a televised ceremony.

File photo: CFP

Edvards Smiltens of the United List became the new parliament speaker, with 82 votes in favor and 11 votes against. His rival Aleksejs Roslikovs of Stability was supported by the 11 members of his party, but 82 MPs voted against him.

Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica of New Unity, and Janis Grasbergs of the National Alliance were elected vice speakers of the Latvian parliament.

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins' New Unity was the leading party in the parliamentary election on October 1 and is holding talks with the United List and the National Alliance on forming the Baltic country's new government coalition.