In Lithuania, the presidential election is set to take place on Sunday, with incumbent Gitanas Nausėda favored to win another five-year term. However, with eight candidates running, it is unlikely that any candidate will secure the 50% of votes needed for an outright victory. In that case, a runoff will be held two weeks later.
The election comes at a time of heightened concern in the Baltic region as Russia makes gains in Ukraine. The president of Lithuania plays a key role in overseeing foreign and security policy, especially given the nation’s strategic location along NATO’s eastern flank.
Nausėda, a moderate conservative, has been a strong supporter of Ukraine and has provided refuge to those fleeing authoritarian regimes in neighboring countries. His main opponents in the election are Ignas Vėgėlė, a populist lawyer, and Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė.
The election also includes a referendum on dual citizenship, which would allow hundreds of thousands of Lithuanians living abroad to maintain their Lithuanian citizenship while adopting another nationality. This amendment to the constitution could have significant implications for the country’s population and identity.
Overall, the election is seen as a critical moment for Lithuania, with the outcome likely to shape the country’s stance on foreign policy and its relationship with neighboring states.
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