VILNIUS, Lithuania: Lithuania votes today (Sunday) in a presidential election dominated by security concerns, with the main candidates all agreeing that NATO and EU members should increase defence spending to counter a perceived threat from neighbouring Russia.
The Baltic state having a population of 2.8 million people fears it could be Russia’s next target if Moscow wins its war against Ukraine. Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2022.
While the top three candidates agree on defence, they have different views on social issues and Lithuania’s relations with China, which have been strained for years over Taiwan.
“Lithuania’s understanding of the Russian threat is unanimous and unquestionable, so the main candidates are following suit,” according to Eastern Europe Studies Centre director Linas Kojala.
Polling will close at 1700 GMT and the result is likely later in the day although a run-off on May 26 will probably be needed as no candidate is expected to win absolute majority.
Opinion polls give the incumbent, 59-year-old former banker Gitanas Nauseda, a comfortable lead over the other seven candidates including Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and prominent lawyer Ignas Vegele.
The country’s president steers defence and foreign policy, attending European Union and NATO summits, but must consult with the parliament and government on appointing the most senior officials.
Lithuania is a former Soviet republic and a top donor to Ukraine. The country is a big defence spender with a military budget currently equal to 2.75 percent of the GDP.
The Simonyte-led government may come forward with proposals that could help increase defence spending even further to three percent.
In particular, Lithuania intends to use the funds to buy tanks and other air defence systems and to host a German brigade as Berlin plans to complete the deployment of about 5,000 troops by 2027.
None of the top candidates appear to challenge the plans, but Vegele has pledged to seek a defence audit if elected to effectively manage finances.
According to the latest poll, Nauseda is expected to win more than 35 percent of the vote in the first round and is expected to win every possible run-off.
Vegele, a 48-year-old lawyer who rose to prominence after speaking out against mandatory vaccinations during the pandemic, presents himself as an alternative to established politicians and promises more transparent governance.
Simonyte, 49, is a fiscal conservative with liberal views on social issues. In particular, it supports same-sex partnerships, which are still controversial in the predominantly Catholic country.
Simonyte is running for president for the second time after losing to Nauseda in the second round in 2019.
According to Vilnius University analyst Ramunas Vilpisauskas, Simonyte is supported by conservative party voters and liberal people, while Nauseda is a candidate of the left in terms of economic and social policy.
Meanwhile, he added, “Vegele will get support from those who simply want change.”
