Lithuania centre right wins vote, tough talks ahead

Lithuania's main centre-right opposition won the first round of a parliament election, results showed yesterday, but it faced tough coalition talks after populist parties, including a famous TV show host, did well.

The vote took place amid anger over double digit inflation and fears the once high flying economy would slide in the global financial crisis. A newly assertive Russia has also been a focus of concern for some in the former Soviet republic.

"Any conclusion about a possible coalition would be premature and unwise, but I see a good chance to picking a coalition for change," Andrius Kubilius, head of the victorious Homeland Union Party, told a news conference.

Nearly final results from the vote in the EU and Nato member showed Homeland Union winning 18 seats in the 141-member Parliament under voting for party lists, which decide 70 seats.

But a colourful gaggle of other parties, as well as the ruling Social Democrats, came in close behind it, making future coalition negotiations tricky.

The newly-formed National Resurrection Party, led by Arunas Valinskas, host of an "American Idol" style talent show, was set for 15 seats, beating the party of impeached former president Rolandas Paksas into third place on 12.

Mr Kubilius said the key was now parties' performance in the October 26 run offs for the 71 seats decided in single mandate constituencies. Only four of these were decided on Sunday. Homeland Union was ahead in 25 seats, but did not win a majority.

Mr Kubilius backs tax cuts, holding talks with the EU on keeping open the ageing Ignalina nuclear power plant and an eventual launch of the euro. His party was the one which most raised the issue of Russia as a threat to Lithuania.