(ANSA-AFP) - VILNIUS, MAY 10 - Lithuania votes Sunday in a
presidential election dominated by security concerns as the NATO
and EU member plans to 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, which began with an
invasion in 2022.
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. Observers believe Nauseda will be
reelected in a run-off at the end of the month. He appears
unlikely to garner enough votes -- over 50 percent -- to score
an outright win. (ANSA-AFP).
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
