🇱🇹 Lithuania's political scene just got a major shakeup! The opposition Social Democratic Party (LSDP) scored a significant victory in Sunday's parliamentary election runoff, according to preliminary results from the Central Electoral Commission. 🎉
In the first round held two weeks ago, the LSDP secured 20 seats in the Seimas, Lithuania's parliament. But they didn't stop there! In the second round on Sunday, they snagged an impressive 32 single-mandate constituencies, solidifying their lead.
The current ruling party, Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats, came in second and are set to have 28 members in the Seimas. Talk about a twist! 🌀
Other parties making waves include the Dawn of Nemunas with 20 seats, the Union of Democrats \"For Lithuania\" (DSVL) grabbing 14 seats, the Liberal Movement of the Republic of Lithuania with 12 seats, and the Lithuanian Peasant Popular Union (LVZS) clinching eight seats.
Adding to the excitement, Saulius Skvernelis, chairman of DSVL, made a surprise visit to the LSDP headquarters on Sunday night after the preliminary results were announced. He met with LSDP leader Vilija Blinkeviciute to chat about joining forces in a future coalition. 🤝 \"We will continue the consultations,\" Blinkeviciute told the Baltic News Service (BNS).
Voter turnout was buzzing too! About 41.30% of voters cast their ballots in the second round, as per the Central Electoral Commission. That's higher than the runoff in 2020, which saw a 39.24% turnout, though slightly below this year's first-round turnout of 52.18%.
What's next for Lithuania? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: change is in the air! 🌬️ Stay tuned for more updates on this political rollercoaster.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
