Lithuanian president faces a second round run-off in her bid for re-election
- 10 years ago
Lithuania’s presidential election is to go to a second round run-off after President Dalia Grybauskaite fell short of the 50 percent of votes needed to get re-elected in the first round.
However she did emerge as the clear winner polling nearly 47 percent with her nearest rival Zigmantas Balcytis trailing on just 14 percent.
Grybauskaite is a popular figure in Lithuania – her strong stance against Moscow’s intervention in Ukraine has struck a chord in the Baltic state which like its neighbours has been anxious since Russia seized Crimea.
The 58-year-old leader who has a black belt in Karate, has held consistently high ratings throughout her first five-year term and is firm favourite to keep the presidency in the second round which is scheduled for May 25.
However she did emerge as the clear winner polling nearly 47 percent with her nearest rival Zigmantas Balcytis trailing on just 14 percent.
Grybauskaite is a popular figure in Lithuania – her strong stance against Moscow’s intervention in Ukraine has struck a chord in the Baltic state which like its neighbours has been anxious since Russia seized Crimea.
The 58-year-old leader who has a black belt in Karate, has held consistently high ratings throughout her first five-year term and is firm favourite to keep the presidency in the second round which is scheduled for May 25.