Election in the Riigikogu

The first round of voting took place on 26 August 1996.

After counting the votes of the first round, the National Electoral Committee ascertained the following numbers:

As none of the candidates received the support of two thirds of the Riigikogu, the second round of voting was organised. Before the second round of voting, new candidates were nominated.

The second round of voting took place on 27 August 1996.

After counting the votes of the second round, the National Electoral Committee ascertained the following numbers:

The third round of voting was held on 27 August 1996.

After counting the votes of the third round, the National Electoral Committee ascertained the following numbers:

As none of the candidates received the required two thirds majority in the Riigikogu, the President of the Riigikogu convened the electoral body. The election of the President of the Republic in the electoral body was set for 20 September 1996.

Voting in the electoral body

The first round of voting in the electoral body took place on 20 September in the Estonia Concert Hall.

After counting the votes of the first round, the National Electoral Committee ascertained the following numbers:

As no candidate received the required majority, a second round of voting was held on the same day.

After counting the votes of the second round, the National Electoral Committee ascertained the following numbers:

Lennart-Georg Meri received over 50% of the votes of the members of the electoral body who participated in the voting, and was thus elected the President of the Republic.