In a significant turn of events, Lithuania's opposition Social Democratic Party (LSDP) has emerged victorious in the parliamentary election runoff held on Sunday, according to preliminary results from the Central Electoral Commission.
During the first round two weeks ago, LSDP secured 20 seats in the Seimas, Lithuania's parliament. Building on that momentum, the party won an additional 32 single-mandate constituencies in the second round, solidifying their leading position.
The incumbent ruling coalition, Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats, came in second place with a provisional faction of 28 members in the Seimas. Other notable parties include the Dawn of Nemunas with 20 seats, the Union of Democrats \"For Lithuania\" (DSVL) with 14 seats, the Liberal Movement of the Republic of Lithuania with 12 seats, and the Lithuanian Peasant Popular Union (LVZS) securing eight seats.
Following the preliminary results, Saulius Skvernelis, chairman of DSVL, visited the headquarters of the winning LSDP on Sunday night. There, he met with LSDP leader Vilija Blinkeviciute to discuss potential collaboration in forming a future coalition. \"We will continue the consultations,\" Blinkeviciute told the Baltic News Service (BNS).
Voter turnout in the second round was reported at 41.30%, a notable increase from the 39.24% turnout in the 2020 runoff. However, it remains below this year's first round turnout of 52.18%.
The rise in LSDP's seats marks a pivotal shift in Lithuania's political landscape, setting the stage for upcoming discussions and potential policy changes that could shape the nation's future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
