Peasant party pushing for the front in Lithuanian election

By bne IntelliNews October 10, 2016

Conservative agrarian Peasant and Green Party (LVZS) could be on track to win the Lithuanian general election, partial results suggested on October 10. 

Although early, the county thus far clearly shows the disappointment of voters with the current coalition leading Social Democrats (LSDP) and other mainstream parties. However, final results could yet see a turnaround; half of the seats in the 141-lower house of the parliament, the Seimas are decided in single-seat constituencies, which means many will go into a run-off vote on October 23.

The latest data from the count as it continued early on October 10 suggests the LVZS has won 21.7% of the votes. The agrarians inched ahead of the centre-right Homeland Union, which won 21.4% of the vote.

Beset by scandal in the run up to the vote the LSDP appears to have slumped to just 14.5%. The pro-business Liberal Movement (LS) - another to have been hit hard by charges of corruption - did better than forecast with 8.9%. The other two parties to pass the 5% threshold required to win seats were the nationalist Order and Justice, and the LLRA, representing the Polish minority.

It appears a safe bet that the next government will, like the departing one, feature at least three parties. But whichever way the wind blows, policy will likely remain largely consistent. Conservative economic policy will persist, while the Russian question looms to keep any strong populist voices at bay.

The LVZS and Homeland Union appear the closest ideologically with a centre-right outlook. However, However, the agrarians have made clear their disdain of the mainstream party.

 

 

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