The first round in the Riigikogu took place at the extraordinary session on 27 August at 12.00. All members of the Riigikogu received ballots and 91 people took part. The number of blank ballots was 13. Peeter Kreitzberg received 40 votes and Andres Tarand 38 votes. As no two-thirds majority of the members of the Riigikogu voted in favor of any candidate, a second ballot was held on 28 August. New candidates were nominated before the second round.
In the second round, 99 members of the Riigikogu received ballots. 91 people took part. There was 1 invalid and 19 blank ballots. Peeter Kreitzberg received 36 votes and Peeter Tulviste received 35 votes.
As no candidate achieved the required two-thirds majority, a third round was held on the same day. 99 members of the Riigikogu received ballots, 90 members of the Riigikogu took part in the voting and there were 24 blank ballots. Peeter Kreitzberg received 33 votes and Peeter Tulviste received 33 votes.