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Lithuania election: Incumbent Grybauskaite eyes second term Lithuania president in strong position for second round
(1 day later)
Lithuania is to hold presidential elections, with incumbent Dalia Grybauskaite widely predicted to secure her second term. Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite has emerged as the clear leader in elections, but looks likely to face a run-off to secure a second term.
Recent opinion polls gave her a big lead over her closest rivals: lawmaker Arturas Paulauskas and European Parliament member Zigmantas Balcytis. With about 95% of the ballots counted, the 58-year-old secured nearly 46% of the vote, election officials said.
She is hoping to secure more than 50% of the votes to avoid a run-off. Her nearest rival, European Parliament member Zigmantas Balcytis, won 14%.
The election comes amid rising security concerns in the region after Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The run-off is planned for 25 May. The elections come amid rising security concerns in the region after Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
"Europe must understand that Russia is trying to redraw the post-war map and borders," Ms Grybauskaite, 58, said recently. "Europe must understand that Russia is trying to redraw the post-war map and borders," Ms Grybauskaite said before Sunday's vote.
"First, it's Ukraine, Moldova will be next and, finally, it can reach the Baltic states and Poland. This is serious threat to our region.""First, it's Ukraine, Moldova will be next and, finally, it can reach the Baltic states and Poland. This is serious threat to our region."
'Dull campaign''Dull campaign'
Polling stations across the Baltic state will open at 04:00 GMT and will close at 17:00 GMT. Some 2.5m people were eligible to cast their ballots.
Some 2.5m people are eligible to cast their ballots. Ms Grybauskaite, the tough-talking karate black belt, needed 50% of the vote to avoid the second round.
With Mrs Grybauskaite seen by many as a hot favourite, critics say the campaigning lacked energy. With Ms Grybauskaite seen by many as a hot favourite, critics said the campaigning lacked energy.
"I have never seen in any country such a dull election campaign," former President Valdas Adamkus was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency."I have never seen in any country such a dull election campaign," former President Valdas Adamkus was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency.
First results are expected shortly after the voting ends. In all, seven candidates were competing in the presidential race.