RIGA, Jan 29 (LETA) - Voting on the new mayor after Aivars Kraps stepped down is not on the agenda of Jekabpils local council, Jekabpils council deputy chairwoman Kristine Ozola told the press today.

After receiving information that Kraps has been banned by the Corruption Prevention Bureau (KNAB) to take the position of the council chairman, lawmakers had discussed the issue.

"The general opinion is that work can be continued also without a chairman. I am filling the position of the deputy chairwoman, also performing the tasks of the chairman," she said.

So far the council has not received Kraps' resignation letter. The decision on firing Kraps from his position will be made at the next council's meeting in late February, but election of a new mayor is not on the council's agenda.

"Just a short time has been left until the next local elections, and we are discussing whether there is a need to elect a new mayor," said Ozola.

As reported, Jekabpils Mayor Aivars Kraps recently announced that he is resigning from the mayor's post and is leaving For Latvia's Development party.

The Corruption Prevention Bureau earlier detained Kraps in relation to a criminal process and has banned him from taking the position, thus the mayor is unable to perform his duties and has decided to step down.