Riga, Oct 13, (dpa/GNA) – Lithuania’s Social Democrats are ahead, after the first round of voting, with almost 70% of the constituencies counted in the election for a new parliament, the election commission in Vilnius reported on Sunday evening.
The Social Democrats, previously an opposition party, received around 23% of the vote in the Baltic country, which is both a member of NATO, and the European Union. Pollsters had predicted that the Social Democrats might come out on top.
The conservative Homeland Union of Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonyte, achieved only third place, with just over 13%. In second place is the populist Nemunas Dawn Party, which is running for the first time in an election. It received nearly 18%.
Of the 12 other political parties that stood in the election, three more could make it into parliament, according to the information available. However, only one of the two coalition partners of the Homeland Union is among them.
The preliminary final result is expected on Monday. At 52.1%, voter turnout was higher than in the last election four years ago.
The final results from the remaining constituencies could still change the balance of power somewhat. However, the first results confirmed the pre-election polls, which pointed to a possible change of government in Lithuania, which borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Moscow’s war ally Belarus.
Sunday’s vote was the first of two ballots: voters initially decided on 70 seats in parliament according to the proportional representation system. In two weeks’ time, they will then vote on 71 direct mandates in the parliament or Seimas.
A change of government in Lithuania would lead above all to changes in domestic and social policy.
In terms of foreign and security policy, the Baltic state is likely to remain firmly on the EU and NATO line, and continue its resolute support for Ukraine.
Due to its location on NATO’s eastern flank, Lithuania is particularly exposed to the current geopolitical confrontation with Russia.
The country considers Moscow’s war against Ukraine a direct threat to its own security.
Germany therefore wants to permanently station a combat-ready brigade of up to 5,000 German army or Bundeswehr soldiers in Lithuania.
GNA