Estonia's presidents are elected by the parliament, not directly by the public. A candidate needs to win at least 68 votes from the 101-seat Riigikogu. MPs must also formally propose their own candidates.

Madise, who is serving in her second seven-year term as chancellor of justice, has been discussed as a potential candidate by the coalition parties, Reform and Eesti 200, who do not have enough votes between themselves to reach the threshold. Madise has remained tight-lipped about her plans.

On Thursday, Madise wrote in response to an inquiry: "I am not seeking any new job or office. I hope to work with full strength and dedication until the end of my term as chancellor of justice."

She said members of the Riigikogu have not asked for her consent to nominate her as a candidate. "In response to all statements made independently of me, I have said that the chancellor of justice does not and cannot associate herself with any party, coalition or opposition," she explained.

Madise stressed in her response that as the head of an independent constitutional institution, she must not put herself forward as a candidate, make promises, enter into agreements or make party-political statements.

The requirement to stand apart from party politics also applies during meetings with politicians and interviews take place after the official nomination period (August 21–24) and registration of candidates. 

"If a situation should arise where a large majority of members of the Riigikogu, across the boundaries of the coalition and opposition and ideological camps, find that the person who would be suitable as president under the present circumstances is me, and ask for my consent to be nominated as a presidential candidate in the Riigikogu, I will consider it very seriously," Madise wrote.

"It is possible that I will have to serve the country in a new office if the secret ballot should lead to that," she added.

The first round of the election is on September 2.

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