The number of candidates running for the 11th Saeima has decreased by two after the Central Election Commission in Rīga struck two names from the Christian Democratic Union’s (Kristīgi demokrātiskās savienība) ticket.

Andris Grīns and Arvis Circenis were candidates from the Kurzeme election district, but because have been convicted of crimes they cannot run for the parliament, election commission spokeswoman Kristīna Bērziņa said in an Aug. 26 press release.

Both men received fines for failing to file bankruptcy applications on time. Although both have paid their fines, the terms of their punishment do not expire until after the election, according to the press release.

The parliamentary election is scheduled Sept. 17.

A total of 13 parties or political associations are fielding candidates.