President Kersti Kaljulaid's 5-year term ends on October 10, and Riigikogu lawmakers must elect a replacement for her in the mostly ceremonial position.

Alar Karis, director of Estonian National Museum will be the only candidate, as there were no other candidates by Saturday's deadline. Karis, a former auditor of the state, is the only candidate who has received support from at least 21 lawmakers.

Estonian politicians are calling for an overhaul of the complex presidential election system. Some Estonians even suggested that the tiny European nation where the prime minister holds the most political power should abolish the head-of-state post.

Estonia's only presidential candidate is the Museum Chief

HELSINKI, (AP) -- Estonia is preparing for an unusual presidential election in Parliament. Only one candidate will contest Monday's vote. This is a rare situation since the Baltic nation gained its independence 30 years back.

President Kersti Kaljulaid's 5-year term ends on October 10, and Riigikogu lawmakers must elect a replacement for her in the mostly ceremonial position.

Alar Karis, director of Estonian National Museum will be the only candidate, as there were no other candidates by Saturday's deadline. Karis, a former auditor of the state, is the only candidate who has received support from at least 21 lawmakers.

Estonian politicians are calling for an overhaul of the complex presidential election system. Some Estonians even suggested that the tiny European nation where the prime minister holds the most political power should abolish the head-of-state post.