(ANSA-AFP) - VILNIUS, 12 MAG - Lithuania voted Sunday in a
presidential election dominated by security concerns with the
main candidates all agreed the NATO and EU member should boost
defence spending to counter the perceived threat from
neighbouring Russia. The Baltic state of 2.8 million people
fears it could be next in Russia's crosshairs if Moscow wins its
war against Ukraine. While the top three contenders agree on
defence, they have diverging views on social issues and on
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," Eastern Europe Studies Centre director
Linas Kojala told AFP.
Polls close at 1700 GMT and the result is expected later on
Sunday -- but a run-off on May 26 will probably be needed with
no candidate expected to win an overall majority. Opinion polls
give the incumbent, 59-year-old former banker Gitanas Nauseda, a
comfortable lead over the other seven candidates, who include
Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and prominent lawyer Ignas
Vegele.
The Lithuanian president steers defence and foreign policy,
attending EU and NATO summits, but must consult with the
government and parliament on appointing the most senior
officials. Lithuania, a former Soviet republic, is a top donor
to Ukraine and a big defence spender, with a military budget
currently equal to 2.75 percent of GDP. (ANSA-AFP).
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