Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: For the organisation and conduct of elections, the territory of the Republic of Lithuania shall be divided into 71 single-member constituencies, taking into consideration the number of inhabitants in the constituency, the division of the territory of the Republic of Lithuania into single-member constituencies during the previous election to the Seimas, and the administrative-territorial division of the Republic of Lithuania.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 9 (1)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/01
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population b . Respecting natural barriers d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries g . Other
Comments: For the organisation and conduct of elections, the territory of the Republic of Lithuania shall be divided into 71 single-member constituencies, taking into consideration the number of inhabitants in the constituency, the division of the territory of the Republic of Lithuania into single-member constituencies during the previous election to the Seimas, and the administrative-territorial division of the Republic of Lithuania. A constituency shall be formed from polling districts which have common boundaries. The number of voters in a constituency must be from 0.9 to 1.1 of the average number of voters in all single-member constituencies.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 9 (1)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/01
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: The Central Electoral Commission, no later than 210 days before an election, shall establish, and no later than 180 days before an election, shall announce on its website the list of polling districts forming constituencies, the addresses and telephone numbers of their polling stations, the number of voters in the constituency, and the addresses and telephone numbers of constituency electoral committees.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 9 (1)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/01
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: Article 77: The President of the Republic shall be Head of State.
Article 78(2): The President of the Republic shall be elected by the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania for a five-year term by universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
Article 81: The candidate for the post of the President of the Republic who, during the first round of voting in which not less than half of all the voters participate, receives the votes of more than half of all the voters who participate in the election shall be deemed elected. If less than half of all the voters participate in the election, the candidate who receives the greatest number of votes, but not less than 1/3 of the votes of all the voters, shall be deemed elected.
If, during the first round of voting, no single candidate gets the requisite number of votes, the second round of voting shall be held two weeks later with the two candidates who have received the greatest number of votes standing against each other. The candidate who receives more votes shall be deemed elected.
If no more than two candidates take part in the first round, and neither of them receives the requisite number of votes, a repeat election shall be held.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 77, 78(2), 81 http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Verified: 2020/06/05
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: Article 92: (1) The Prime Minister shall, upon the assent of the Seimas, be appointed and released by the President of the Republic.
(3)The Prime Minister, within 15 days of his appointment, shall form and present to the Seimas the Government, approved by the President of the Republic, and shall submit the programme of the formed Government for consideration by the Seimas.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 92 (1, 3)http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Verified: 2020/06/05
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006)http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Verified: 2020/06/05
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: Article 55: (1)
The Seimas shall consist of representatives of the Nation—141 Members of the Seimas, who shall be elected for a four-year term on the basis of universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
Article 69: (1) Laws shall be adopted at the Seimas according to the procedure established by law.
(2) Laws shall be deemed adopted if the majority of the Members of the Seimas participating in the sitting vote in favour thereof.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 55(1), 69 (1,2)http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Verified: 2020/06/05
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
e . Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)
Comments: Members of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter - the Seimas) shall be elected for a term of four years in single-member constituencies and the multi-member constituency by universal and equal suffrage, in a secret ballot, during direct, mixed-system elections.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 1
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/05
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation c . Decree d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: Provisions regarding national elections could be found in the Constitution, separate electoral laws, degrees of Seimas or decisions of the Central Electoral Committee.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006)http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Presidential Elections (22 December 1992, as last amended on 6 November 2012 – No XI-2334)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/e8906340104611e5b0d3e1beb7dd5516?jfwid=9tq147o4x
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Elections to the European Parliament (20 November 2003 No IX-1837, as last amended on 16 June 2015 – No XII-1797)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/582c216018e611e5bfc0854048a4e288?jfwid=191fum7scn
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Elections to Municipal Councils (7 July 1994 No I-532, as last amended on 30 June 2016 – No XII-2582)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/e4f48cc2526711e698d88208478a76a2?jfwid=-wd7z81870
Republic of Lithuania Law on the Central Electoral Commission (20 June 2002 No. IX-985, as last amended on 18 November 2014 – No XII-1339
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/ea463d10f30311e3a8c1a1dee39661ca?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Referendum (4 June 2002 No IX-929, as last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/7b65c002233a11e6acbed8d454428fb7?jfwid=nz8qn8fey
Decree of Seimas: Dėl balsavimo internetu rinkimuose ir referendumuose koncepcijos patvirtinimo;
Verified: 2020/06/07
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments: Separate laws based on the regulation of the Constitution cover different kinds of elections.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006)http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Presidential Elections (22 December 1992, as last amended on 6 November 2012 – No XI-2334)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/LT/republic-of-lithuania-law-on-presidential-1/at_download/file
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Elections to the European Parliament (20 November 2003 No IX-1837, as last amended on 16 June 2015 – No XII-1797)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/582c216018e611e5bfc0854048a4e288?jfwid=191fum7scn
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Elections to Municipal Councils (7 July 1994 No I-532, as last amended on 30 June 2016 – No XII-2582)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/e4f48cc2526711e698d88208478a76a2?jfwid=-wd7z81870
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Referendum (4 June 2002 No IX-929, as last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/7b65c002233a11e6acbed8d454428fb7?jfwid=nz8qn8fey
Verified: 2020/06/07
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Article 34: (1) Citizens who, on the day of the election, have reached 18 years of age shall have the electoral right.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 34 (1)http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Verified: 2020/06/07
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: Article 16: The constituency electoral committee shall:
(10) consider complaints against decisions and actions of the polling committees and adopt decisions, repeal decisions which contravene the requirements of laws and other legal acts
Article 18: Central Electoral Commission;
(7)consider the complaints of the voters and observers of their electoral district on issues concerning preparation of the elections, organisation of polls, vote counting, drawing up a vote counting record, and adopt decisions related to them
Article 36: (1) A voter or a representative of the party may lodge complaints with the electoral committee of the polling district no later than seven days before the election about the errors made in electoral rolls due to which the voter has not been entered on the electoral roll in the manner prescribed by this Law or has been entered on several electoral rolls. The electoral committee of the polling district must investigate the complaint and adopt a decision thereon either immediately or within two days of the receipt thereof, if more than ten days are left until the election day.
Article 86. Complaints against the Decisions of Electoral Committees which Have Been Adopted after Closing of the Polls
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 16(10), 18(7), 36(1), 86
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/LT/republic-of-lithuania-law-on-elections-to-the-1/at_download/file
Verified: 2020/06/07
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: Law on the Central Election Commission
Article 3 (1) Tasks of the Central Electoral Commission shall be as follow: 1. To organise and conduct elections to the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, elections to the Office of the President of the Republic, elections to municipal councils, elections to the European Parliament (hereinafter referred to as “elections”) and referendums;
Law on Elections to the European Parliament:
Article 13: 1. Elections to the European Parliament shall be organised and conducted by: 1) the Central Electoral Commission.
Source: Republic of Lithuania Law on the Central Electoral Commission (20 June 2002 No. IX-985, As last amended on 18 November 2014 – No XII-1339) art. 3 (1)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/ea463d10f30311e3a8c1a1dee39661ca?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Elections to the European Parliament (20 November 2003 No IX-1837, as Last amended on 16 June 2015 – No XII-1797)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/582c216018e611e5bfc0854048a4e288?jfwid=191fum7scn
Verified: 2020/06/07
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Article 20: 1. The Central Electoral Commission shall be a budgetary agency maintained from state budgetary funds.
The Seimas approves the State Budget and supervise its execution. Thus, it approves the budget of CEC as well.
Source: Republic of Lithuania Law on the Central Electoral Commission (20 June 2002 No. IX-985, As last amended on 18 November 2014 – No XII-1339) art. 20 (1)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/ea463d10f30311e3a8c1a1dee39661ca?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 67 (14) http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Verified: 2020/06/07
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: Article 3.(1)
The National Audit Office shall be a supreme public audit institution, accountable to
the Seimas.
Article 4(1)
The main goals of the National Audit Office shall be as follows:
to supervise the lawfulness and effectiveness of the management and use of the State
property and execution of the State budget;
The State Control (supreme public audit institution, accountable to the Seimas) controls the execution of the State budget, including the budget of Central Electoral Commission.
Source: Law: Republic of Lithuania Law on National Audit Office (30 May 1995, as last amended on 6 November 2014), art. 3(1), 4(1)
http://www.parliament.am/library/verahskich%20palat/litva.pdf
Verified: 2020/06/07
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
a . For the election period only
Comments: Article 7. Formation of the Central Electoral Commission
1. The Seimas shall set up the Central Electoral Commission no later than 200 days and no earlier than 140 days after regular or early elections to the Seimas.
2. The Central Electoral Commission shall be also set up by the Seimas after the latter adopts a resolution pursuant to Article 10(1)(10) of this Law to terminate the powers of the Central Electoral Commission. The Central Electoral Commission set up in this way shall retain its powers until a new Central Electoral Commission will be set up pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Article.
Source: Republic of Lithuania Law on the Central Electoral Commission (20 June 2002 No. IX-985, As last amended on 18 November 2014 – No XII-1339) art. 7 (1-2)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/ea463d10f30311e3a8c1a1dee39661ca?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Verified: 2020/06/07
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: Article 5. Independence of the Central Electoral Commission
1. When discharging its functions and making decisions on issues within its competence, the Central Electoral Commission shall be independent. No institution or officer may issue mandatory instructions regarding the making of the decision that is within the competence of the Central Electoral Commission.
Source: Republic of Lithuania Law on the Central Electoral Commission (20 June 2002 No. IX-985, As last amended on 18 November 2014 – No XII-1339) art. 5 (1)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/ea463d10f30311e3a8c1a1dee39661ca?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Verified: 2020/06/07
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: According to the Decree of the Seimas (12 June 2008, No. X-1601) the Central Election Commission is composed of 16 members, however its number could vary during other formation of the CEC.
Source: Decree of the Seimas: Dėl Vyriausiosios rinkimų komisijos sudarymo (21 May 2015, No. XII-1743), Art. 1.
http://www.vrk.lt/vyriausiosios-rinkimu-komisijos-sudarymas-igaliojimai
Republic of Lithuania Law on the Central Electoral Commission (20 June 2002, as last amended on 29 March 2012 – No XI-1958), art. 5 (1)
http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=421537
Verified: 2020/06/07
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments: Article 7: 3. The Central Electoral Committee shall be composed of:
1) the Commission Chairman;
2) two persons with the university law degree who are nominated by the Minister of Justice and appointed by the Seimas by secret ballot;
3) two persons with the university law degree who are nominated by the Lithuanian Bar Association and appointed by the Seimas by secret ballot;
4) two persons with the university law degree who are nominated by the President of the Republic and appointed by the Seimas by secret ballot;
5) the persons nominated by the parties which have received mandates of the Seimas members in the multi-member constituency, where such persons have the university law degree and the experience of working in electoral committees
Source: Republic of Lithuania Law on the Central Electoral Commission (20 June 2002 No. IX-985, As last amended on 18 November 2014 – No XII-1339) art. 7 (3)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/ea463d10f30311e3a8c1a1dee39661ca?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania - About CEC
https://www.vrk.lt/en/vrk-apie
Verified: 2020/06/07
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
c . Executive e . Legislature g . Political parties i . Other
Comments: Article 7: (3) The Central Electoral Commission shall be composed of:
1. the Commission Chairman;
2. two persons with the university law degree who are nominated by the Minister of Justice and appointed by the Seimas by secret ballot;
3. two persons with the university law degree who are nominated by the Lithuanian Bar Association and appointed by the Seimas by secret ballot;
4. two persons with the university law degree who are nominated by the President of the Republic and appointed by the Seimas by secret ballot;
5. the persons nominated by the parties which have received mandates of the Seimas members in the multi-member constituency, where such persons have the university law degree and the experience of working in electoral committees.
(4) Prior to the formation of the Central Electoral Commission, the parties (coalitions) which have received mandates of the Seimas members in the multi-member constituency shall each have the right to nominate one representative to the Central Electoral Commission from one list of candidates (joint list) nominated in the multi-member constituency.
(7) Upon the recommendation of the Seimas Speaker, the Seimas shall appoint the Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission.
Source: Republic of Lithuania Law on the Central Electoral Commission (20 June 2002 No. IX-985, As last amended on 18 November 2014 – No XII-1339) art. 7 (3, 4, 7)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/ea463d10f30311e3a8c1a1dee39661ca?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Verified: 2020/06/07
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body b . Regional Electoral Management Bodies c . Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
Comments: Law on the Central Electoral Commission
Article 3 (2): When implementing the tasks laid down in paragraph 1 of this Article, the Central Electoral Committee shall:
13) summarise and publish for an unlimited period of time the information on the elections and referendums held in the Republic of Lithuania as well as their results and the candidates who participated in those elections
Law on Elections to the Seimas
Article 16. Powers of the Constituency Electoral Committee
The constituency electoral committee shall:
1) inform, in the manner established by the Central Electoral Commission, the voters who reside in the constituency about the boundaries of the polling districts, their offices, their working hours and polling stations;
Article 18: The polling district committee shall:
1) receive electoral rolls from the constituency electoral committee, provide conditions for voters, representatives of parties at the elections to familiarise themselves with the said lists, hand or deliver in some other ways poll cards to voters, inform the constituency electoral committee about inaccuracies noticed in the electoral roll of the polling district and transmit such information by means of electronic communications in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Central Electoral Commission
Source: Republic of Lithuania Law on the Central Electoral Commission (20 June 2002 No. IX-985, As last amended on 18 November 2014 – No XII-1339) art. 3 (2):13
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/ea463d10f30311e3a8c1a1dee39661ca?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 16 (1), 18 (1)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/LT/republic-of-lithuania-law-on-elections-to-the-1/at_download/file
Verified: 2020/06/05
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments: The information regarding elections could be accessed at the official website of the Central Election Commission. However, voter education programs are intensified before the elections.
Source: Republic of Lithuania Law on the Central Electoral Commission (20 June 2002, as last amended on 18 March 2014– No XI-958), art. 3 (2)(13,14)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/ea463d10f30311e3a8c1a1dee39661ca?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 16 (1), 18 (1)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/LT/republic-of-lithuania-law-on-elections-to-the-1/at_download/file
Official Website of the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania: http://www.vrk.lt/veikla (2016).
Verified: 2020/06/05
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments: Article 3: (2) When implementing the tasks laid down in paragraph 1 of this Article, the Central Electoral Committee shall: 14) generalise the experience of elections and referendums, have care of education and informing of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania and persons permanently residing in Lithuania about elections, provide information about their participation in elections;
Source: Republic of Lithuania Law on the Central Electoral Commission (20 June 2002 No. IX-985, As last amended on 18 November 2014 – No XII-1339) art. 3 (2):14
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/ea463d10f30311e3a8c1a1dee39661ca?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Verified: 2020/06/05
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Citizens who, on the day of the election, have reached 18 years of age shall have the electoral right.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 34 (1)http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Verified: 2020/06/05
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments: Citizens who, on the day of election, have reached 18 years of age, shall have the electoral right.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 34 (1)http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Verified: 2020/06/05
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Article 26. General Procedure for Registering Citizens in Electoral rolls
1. All citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who have the right to vote shall be entered on the electoral roll of the Republic of Lithuania according to the data of issuance of the document (passport or identity card) certifying citizenship, and according to the Residents’ Register of the Republic of Lithuania. State and municipal institutions and establishments which issue documents certifying citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania, keep information related to the statement of citizens’ residence, register citizens’ death and loss of citizenship shall also be responsible for a timely and proper updating of the Residents' Register of the Republic of Lithuania. Electoral rolls compiled according to the data of the Residents’ Register of the Republic of Lithuania shall be preliminary lists.
2. Compiling, updating and keeping of electoral rolls shall be organised by the Central Electoral Commission on the basis of the information furnished by central and local government institutions and constituency electoral committees.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 26 (1,2)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/05
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: All citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who have the right to vote shall be entered on the electoral roll of the Republic of Lithuania according to the data of issuance of the document (passport or identity card) certifying citizenship, and according to the Residents’ Register of the Republic of Lithuania. State and municipal institutions and establishments which issue documents certifying citizenship of the Republic of Lithuania, keep information related to the statement of citizens’ residence, register citizens’ death and loss of citizenship shall also be responsible for a timely and proper updating of the Residents' Register of the Republic of Lithuania. Electoral rolls compiled according to the data of the Residents’ Register of the Republic of Lithuania shall be preliminary lists.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 26 (1)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/05
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) e . Minimum number of candidates f . Other
Comments:
Law on Political Parties:
Article 8. Registration of political parties
1. Political parties shall be registered in the Register of Legal Entities.
2. The regulations of the Register of Legal Entities shall enumerate the documents which must be submitted for registering a political party in and removing its entry from the Register, lay down the procedure for registering a political party in and removing its entry from the Register, recording changes in data and amendments of the statute of the political party
Law on the Elections to the Seimas:
Article 37:
(2) In the multi-member constituency parties shall nominate their candidates by presenting a list of candidates in which candidates are recorded in the succession established by the party. Unless the statutes of a party provide otherwise, candidates in single-member constituencies and the list of the candidates, recorded in succession, in the multi-member constituency must be approved at the congress or conference of the party. The list of candidates (joint list) must not include less than 25 and more than 141 candidates.
Article 41:
(1) The election deposit for one candidate for Seimas member to be registered in a single-member constituency shall be equal to one most recently announced average monthly wage of the national economy (AMW). When registering one new candidate in a single-member constituency instead of the candidate whose application documents have been revoked or who has revoked the documents himself, the required deposit shall be in the amount of one AMW.
(2) The election deposit for registration of one list of candidates for Seimas member in the multi-member constituency shall be in the amount of ten AMWs. When changing the place of one candidate on the list or entering a new candidate on the list, the deposit shall be in the amount of one AMW. When joining the candidates’ lists, the deposit shall be in the amount of 0.3 AMW for each list which is being joined.
(3) Election deposits for registration of a list of candidates shall be doubled for the party which at the last elections to the Seimas, municipal councils or the European Parliament nominated candidates or the list (lists) of candidates and did not furnish a copy of the report on the funding of the respective political campaign in compliance with the Law on Funding of, and Control Over Funding of, Political Campaigns and the sets of the previous calendar year’s financial statements of the political party in compliance with the Law on Political Parties.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 37(2), 41(1-3)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Political Parties (25 September 1990, No I-606, As last amended on 6 November 2014,No XII-1292)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/09450a307a1c11e4a8a7b07c53dc637c?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Verified: 2020/06/05
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence f . Registration
Comments: Article 2:
(2) Any citizen of the Republic of Lithuania who is not under allegiance to a foreign state and is at least 25 years of age on the election day, and who permanently resides in Lithuania may stand for election as a member of the Seimas. A citizen of the Republic of Lithuania shall be considered to be a permanent resident of the Republic of Lithuania, whose data about a place of residence are entered into the Residents’ Register of the Republic of Lithuania, or a citizen who, under the Civil Code, is recognised as having a permanent place of residence in the Republic of Lithuania.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 2 (2)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/05
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Law on Elections to the Seimas:
Article 37:
(1) Candidates for Seimas member may be nominated:
1. in the multi-member constituency and single-member constituencies – by the party which is registered pursuant to the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Political Parties (hereinafter: ‘the Law on Political Parties’) not later than 185 days prior to an election, meets the requirements regarding the number of party members as laid down in the Law on Political Parties and does not have the legal status of the party in respect of which the liquidation has been initiated or the legal status of the party placed under liquidation
2. in a single-member constituency - by every citizen of the Republic of Lithuania who qualifies to be elected as a Seimas member, may declare himself to a candidate for Seimas member, provided his candidature is supported by signatures of no less than 1,000 voters of that constituency. If a party does not nominate a list of candidates, a candidate nominated by the party must be supported in a single-member constituency by the signatures of at least 1,000 voters of that constituency.
(2) In the multi-member constituency parties shall nominate their candidates by presenting a list of candidates in which candidates are recorded in the succession established by the party. Unless the statutes of a party provide otherwise, candidates in single-member constituencies and the list of the candidates, recorded in succession, in the multi-member constituency must be approved at the congress or conference of the party. The list of candidates (joint list) must not include less than 25 and more than 141 candidates.
Law on Presidential Elections
Article 35:
(1) Individual persons may nominate themselves for President of the Republic.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 37(1-2)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Presidential Elections (22 December 1992, as last amended on 6 November 2012 – No XI-2334), art. 35 (1)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/LT/republic-of-lithuania-law-on-presidential-1/at_download/file
Verified: 2020/06/05
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Article 7: (1) Political campaigns of political parties shall be financed exclusively from the following sources:
1. Political campaigns of political parties shall be financed exclusively from the following sources:
1) funds of the political party received from the sources of funding of the political party and used to finance political campaigns of the party, candidates and lists of candidates of the party;
2) donations for political campaign to the political party during the political campaign period, given by natural persons who under this Law have the right to donate;
3) during the political campaign, loans received by a political party from banks registered in the Republic of Lithuania or another European Union Member State or a branch of a bank registered in the European Economic Area and operating in the Republic of Lithuania;
4) interest on the funds kept in the political campaign account
7:(2) Political parties must keep funds designated to finance a political campaign in the political campaign account. The political campaign account shall not be subject to any interim measures.
7:(3) It shall be prohibited to finance political campaigns of political parties with the funds which are not specified in this Article.
Article 51: 1. After the announcement of the names of candidates and lists of candidates by the Central Electoral Commission, the candidates shall be granted the right to use the Lithuanian national radio and television free of charge. The rules for preparing programs for election campaign shall be approved and the actual duration and time of the Lithuanian national radio and television programs shall be established by the Central Electoral Commission after consultation with the head of the Lithuanian national radio and television. The Central Electoral Commission shall also distribute the time of the programs in such a manner that the following principles of equality are preserved: among the lists of candidates in the multi-member constituency; among single-member constituencies; among candidates in a single-member constituency.
2. Discussions of candidates over the radio and television shall be financed with funds of the state budget from the appropriations allocated for the Central Electoral Commission.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Funding of, and Control over Funding of, Political Parties and Political Campaigns (23 August 2004, as last amended on 16 October 2014 No XII-1251), art. 7, 14, 15 (1)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/a05f32b2b4c411e3b2cee015b961c954?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 51 (1-2)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/LT/republic-of-lithuania-law-on-elections-to-the-1/at_download/file
Verified: 2020/06/05
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments:
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Funding of, and Control over Funding of, Political Parties and Political Campaigns (23 August 2004, as last amended on 26 November 2013 No XII-2428), art. 9
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/a05f32b2b4c411e3b2cee015b961c954?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Verified: 2020/06/05
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 7: 3. Permanent sources of funding of political campaign:
1) membership fees of the political party;
2) state budget appropriations;
3) state budget appropriations allocated in accordance with separate programmes
approved by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania;
4) funds received by the political party from its other activities referred to in Article 13 of
this Law;
5) donations of natural and legal persons who under this Law have the right to donate;
6) loans for the political party by the banks registered in the Republic of Lithuania;
7) interest on the funds kept in the bank account.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Funding of, and Control over Funding of, Political Parties and Political Campaigns (23 August 2004, as last amended on 16 October 2014 No XII-1251), art. 7, 10-12
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/a05f32b2b4c411e3b2cee015b961c954?jfwid=rivwzvpvg
Verified: 2020/06/05
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: Article 77.
Counting of Votes of the Voters who Have Voted in the Polling Station of the Polling District.
(2) Having ascertained that the ballot box has not been tampered with, in the presence of at least 3/5 of the members of the polling district electoral committee as well as observers, it shall be opened, all ballot papers shall be placed on tables on which there are no other documents and writing materials ( except black lead pencils), and the committee shall start counting votes.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 77(2)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/05
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
b . Always recounted c . Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions d . By request f . Other
Comments: Article 77:
(2) Each group of ballot papers must be recounted at least two times. For the second time ballot papers must be counted by other members of the committee.
Article 82:
3. The constituency electoral committee may recount the ballot papers of the polling district electoral committee or instruct the polling district electoral committee from which it has received the ballot papers to recount the said ballot papers, or instruct another polling district electoral committee to recount the ballot papers. When recounting ballot papers, electoral committees must act in compliance with paragraph 4 of Article 78 of this Law. The constituency electoral committee must, in the case specified in paragraphs 6 and 7 of this Article, adopt a decision to recount ballot papers of all or only some polling district electoral committees.
6. The constituency electoral committee must adopt a decision to recount ballot papers of all the polling districts of a single-member constituency when, prior to the signing of the vote counting record, this has been requested by at least one member of the committee, a representative of a party or a candidate, and when the difference between the votes for the candidates who came first or second in this single-member constituency in accordance with the preliminary election results, is less than 50.
7. The constituency electoral committee shall, in accordance with the procedure laid down by the Central Electoral Commission shall select by lot a polling district or polling districts, there – a list of candidates or lists of candidates for which votes have been cast and the preference votes received for the candidates of which must be recounted, and shall organize the recounting of the votes. After the recounting of the votes a vote counting record of the polling district shall be drawn up. If the recounting of the votes establishes that the vote counting results are other than those established by the polling district electoral committee, all votes cast by the voters of that polling district shall be recounted.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 77(2,5),82(3,6, 7),86(3-4)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/05
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: After the announcement of the names of candidates and lists of candidates by the Central Electoral Commission, the candidates shall be granted the right to use the Lithuanian national radio and television free of charge. The rules for preparing programs for election campaign shall be approved and the actual duration and time of the Lithuanian national radio and television programs shall be established by the Central Electoral Commission after consultation with the head of the Lithuanian national radio and television. The Central Electoral Commission shall also distribute the time of the programs in such a manner that the following principles of equality are preserved: among the lists of candidates in the multi-member constituency; among single-member constituencies; among candidates in a single-member constituency.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 51(1)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/05
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: Law on Elections to the Seimas
Article 51:
(2) Discussions of candidates over the radio and television shall be financed with funds of the state budget from the appropriations allocated for the Central Electoral Commission.
Law on Presidential Elections
Article 46:
(2) Discussions of candidates for President of the Republic over the radio and television shall be financed with funds of the state budget from the appropriations allocated for the Central Electoral Commission.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265), art. 51(2-5)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Presidential Elections (22 December 1992, as last amended on 6 November 2012 – No XI-2334), art. 46 (2-5)
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/e8906340104611e5b0d3e1beb7dd5516?jfwid=9tq147o4x
Verified: 2020/06/05
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/LT/republic-of-lithuania-law-on-elections-to-the-1/at_download/file
Verified: 2020/06/05
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 14
2. In those cases where the constituency covers the entire territory of the Republic of Lithuania, the maximum amount of political campaign expenditure of one independent political campaign participant shall be calculated in the following manner: the number of voters entered on the electoral roll of the Republic of Lithuania shall be multiplied by EUR 0.29 and the received product shall be rounded up within the accuracy of the first two significant digits.
3. In those cases where the constituency covers a part of the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, the maximum amount of political campaign expenditure of one independent political campaign participant shall be calculated in the following manner: the number of voters of one constituency shall be multiplied by EUR 0,58 and the received product shall be rounded up within the accuracy of the first two significant digits. If the received product is less than EUR 5 792, the fixed maximum amount of political campaign expenditure shall be EUR 5 792. In elections to municipal councils a political party, which has nominated a list (lists) of candidates, may additionally spend for this political campaign not more than 10 per cent of the maximum amount of political campaign expenditure of the list (lists) of candidates nominated by this party.
Article 19
2. The Central Electoral Commission shall;
9) fix the maximum amounts of political campaign expenditure in particular constituencies and announce them not later than by 1 January of each year;
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Funding of, and Control over Funding of, Political Parties and Political Campaigns (23 August 2004, As last amended on 16 October 2014 No XII-1251), art. 14 (2-3) 19 (2)9,
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/93249de2f1a011e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=191fum7ux9
Verified: 2020/06/05
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution
Article 4:
The Nation shall execute its supreme sovereign power either directly or through its democratically elected representatives.
Article 9:
The most significant issues concerning the life of the State and the Nation shall be decided by referendum.
In cases established by law, the Seimas shall call a referendum.
A referendum shall also be called if not less than 300,000 citizens with the electoral right so request.
The procedure for calling and conducting referendums shall be established by law.
Article 68:
(2) The citizens of the Republic of Lithuania shall also have the right of legislative initiative. 50,000 citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who have the electoral right may submit a draft law to the Seimas, and the Seimas must consider it.
Article 69:
(4) The provisions of laws of the Republic of Lithuania may also be adopted by referendum.
Article 148:
(1)The provision “The State of Lithuania shall be an independent democratic republic” of Article 1 of the Constitution may be altered only by referendum if not less than 3/4 of the citizens of Lithuania with the electoral right vote in favour thereof.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 4, 9, 68(2), 69(4), 148(1)
http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Referendum (4 June 2002, as last amended on 12 September 2012 – No XI-2216)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/LT/republic-of-lithuania-law-on-referendum-2002-last/at_download/file
Verified: 2020/06/05
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 4:
1. Referendums shall be mandatory with regard to the following issues:
1) on the amendment to the provision of Article 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania that, “the State of Lithuania shall be an independent and democratic republic;”
2) on the amendment to the provisions of Chapter I of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, “the State of Lithuania;”
3) on the amendment to the provisions of Chapter XIV of the Republic of Lithuania Constitution, “Amending the Constitution;”
4) on the amendment to the Constitutional Act, dated June 8, 1992, “On Non-Alignment of the Republic of Lithuania to Post-Soviet Eastern Alliances;”
5) regarding participation by the Republic of Lithuania in international organizations, should this participation be linked with the partial transfer of the scope of competence of Government bodies to the institutions of international organizations or the jurisdiction thereof.
2. Mandatory referendums may be held also with regard to other laws or provisions thereof, which 300 thousand citizens having the right to vote or the Seimas shall submit a proposal for to be decided by means of a referendum
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Referendum (4 June 2002, As last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860), art. 4
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/7b65c002233a11e6acbed8d454428fb7?jfwid=nz8qn8fey
Verified: 2020/06/05
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 5: Consultative (deliberative) referendums may be held with respect to other issues of utmost importance to the State and the People, regarding which it is not necessary to hold a mandatory referendum, they are being proposed for a referendum by 300 thousand citizens having the right to vote or the Seimas.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Referendum (4 June 2002, As last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860), art. 5
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/7b65c002233a11e6acbed8d454428fb7?jfwid=nz8qn8fey
Verified: 2019/04/15
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 4:
(2) Mandatory referendums may be held also with regard to other laws or provisions thereof, which 300 thousand citizens having the right to vote or the Seimas shall submit a proposal for to be decided by means of a referendum.
Article 5:
Consultative (deliberative) referendums may be held with respect to other issues of utmost importance to the State and the People, regarding which it is not necessary to hold a mandatory referendum, they are being proposed for a referendum by 300 thousand citizens having the right to vote or the Seimas.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Referendum (4 June 2002, As last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860), art. 4 (2), 5
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/7b65c002233a11e6acbed8d454428fb7?jfwid=nz8qn8fey
Verified: 2020/06/05
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 68:
(2) The citizens of the Republic of Lithuania shall also have the right of legislative initiative. 50,000 citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who have the electoral right may submit a draft law to the Seimas, and the Seimas must consider it.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (25 October 1992, as last amended on 25 April 2006), art. 68(2)http://www3.lrs.lt/home/Konstitucija/Constitution.htm
Verified: 2020/06/05
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2020/06/05
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
b . Sometimes binding
Comments: Mandatory referendums result is always binding. Consultative referendums result is only advisory but must be deliberated in the Seimas.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Referendum (4 June 2002, As last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860), art. 3-5
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/7b65c002233a11e6acbed8d454428fb7?jfwid=nz8qn8fey
Verified: 2020/06/05
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: Article 4:
1.Referendums shall be mandatory with regard to the following issues:
(1) on the amendment to the provision of Article 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania that, “the State of Lithuania shall be an independent and democratic republic;”
(2) on the amendment to the provisions of Chapter I of the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania, “the State of Lithuania;”
(3) on the amendment to the provisions of Chapter XIV of the Republic of Lithuania Constitution, “Amending the Constitution;”
(4) on the amendment to the Constitutional Act, dated June 8, 1992, “On Non-Alignment of the Republic of Lithuania to Post-Soviet Eastern Alliances;”
(5) regarding participation by the Republic of Lithuania in international organisations, should this participation be linked with the partial transfer of the scope of competence of Government bodies to the institutions of international organisations or the jurisdiction thereof.
2. Mandatory referendums may be held also with regard to other laws or provisions thereof, which 300 thousand citizens having the right to vote or the Seimas shall submit a proposal for to be decided by means of a referendum.
Article 5:
Consultative (deliberative) referendums may be held with respect to other issues of utmost importance to the State and the People, regarding which it is not necessary to hold a mandatory referendum, they are being proposed for a referendum by 300 thousand citizens having the right to vote or the Seimas.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Referendum (4 June 2002, As last amended on 6 May 2014 — No XII-860), art. 4-5
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/7b65c002233a11e6acbed8d454428fb7?jfwid=nz8qn8fey
Verified: 2020/06/05
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2016/07/22
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections d . At specially designated polling stations e . At mobile polling stations f . By mail j . Other
Comments: Article 62. Time and Place of the Polls
The polls shall be held on the election day from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the place designated by the electoral committee of the polling district. The voter shall vote in the polling district on the electoral roll of which he has been entered, unless this Law provides otherwise.
Article 67. Postal Voting
Article 67(1). Voting at Home and Early Voting
Article 69. Polls Held on Ships
Article 70. Polls in Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts of the Republic of Lithuania
Article 71. Polls in Healthcare Facilities (Except Outpatient) as well as in Institutions of Social Guardianship and Care
Article 72. Polls in Military Units
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992 No I-2721, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265)
art. 62-73
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/05
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation) d . Members of the armed forces e . Students f . Diplomatic staff g . Other
Comments:
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992 No I-2721, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265)
art. 69, 70, 72
Verified: 2020/06/05
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates c . Special polling stations
Comments: Article 69. Polls Held on Ships
Article 70. Polls in Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts of the Republic of Lithuania
Article 72. Polls in Military Units
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992 No I-2721, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265)
art. 69, 70, 72
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/05
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Article 66. Voting Procedure
1. Having been handed ballot papers, the voter shall go into the polling booth and mark the ballot papers. It shall be prohibited to mark ballot papers outside the polling booth.
Source: Republic of Lithuania, Law on Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992 No I-2721, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265)
art. 66
https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/89e6d1a0f58111e5bf4ee4a6d3cdb874?jfwid=tu0odnkka
Verified: 2020/06/05
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