Lithuania is currently in the midst of its first round of parliamentary elections, with polling stations open on Sunday for eligible voters to elect 141 members of parliament for a four-year term. The results are expected to be announced on Monday, with a runoff vote scheduled for later in October.
The political contest has highlighted concerns over COVID-19 measures and an influx of migrants, with voters expressing disappointment and discontent with the current government led by Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė. Economic gains, including double-digit personal income growth and low inflation rates, have not been enough to sway voters who feel the government has not done enough to support businesses or provide healthcare services during the pandemic.
The opposition Social Democrats, led by Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, are expected to lead in the elections, followed by Šimonytė’s Homeland Union. The newly registered Nemuno Aušra party, founded by a right-wing politician, is also expected to gain support. With no party expected to secure more than 20% of the vote, governing alliances will need to be formed.
The elections come at a time of heightened tensions in the region, with Russia’s war in Ukraine fueling fears about Moscow’s intentions, particularly in the strategically important Baltic region. Analysts predict that a shift to the left in Lithuania’s government is unlikely to bring significant changes to the country’s foreign policy, which borders Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave to the west.
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