Lithuanian general election to be held
Lithuanians head to the polls today to vote in the first round of elections for the Seimas, the country’s unicameral legislative body.
Parties must command at least 5% of the total vote, or 7% in the case of a coalition, to have representation in the body. The three parties expected to clear the vote threshold are the ruling Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVZS), the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats (TS-LKD) and the Social Democratic Party (LSDP). The leader of the party that wins the most seats will be invited to form a coalition government.
In the short term, expect the LVZS to retain control. Under an LVZS coalition government, Vilnius will continue to pursue additional green conservative policies but will need to address an economy effected by COVID-19, a key issue for voters. One key LVZS proposal envisions a government-funded undergraduate education assistance program for qualifying citizens. In the long term, the LVZS will focus on producing policies that will further their long-term vision of a stronger, state-funded social support network.
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