Vertical Accountability
#4Key Findings
Lithuania falls into the sample’s top ranks (rank 4) with regard to vertical accountability.
Elections are free and fair. Political parties receive state funding if they secure at least 2% of votes. Non-party electoral committees can compete in municipal and European Parliament elections, with stricter registration and financial rules introduced in 2022. The Central Electoral Commission carries out elections impartially and without discrimination.
The mixed electoral system combines single-member constituencies and proportional representation. Low barriers to the establishment of political parties allow for a wide choice of political alternatives. In the 2023 municipal elections, 16 parties and 32 public electoral committees participated. Parties must win 5% of the vote to enter the parliament.
No party has secured a parliamentary majority since independence, thus leading to coalition governments typically dominated by centrist conservative or social-democratic parties. Cross-party agreements are possible especially on high-profile issues. Information access rules cover all levels of the executive, but exclude the legislative branch.
Elections are free and fair. Political parties receive state funding if they secure at least 2% of votes. Non-party electoral committees can compete in municipal and European Parliament elections, with stricter registration and financial rules introduced in 2022. The Central Electoral Commission carries out elections impartially and without discrimination.
The mixed electoral system combines single-member constituencies and proportional representation. Low barriers to the establishment of political parties allow for a wide choice of political alternatives. In the 2023 municipal elections, 16 parties and 32 public electoral committees participated. Parties must win 5% of the vote to enter the parliament.
No party has secured a parliamentary majority since independence, thus leading to coalition governments typically dominated by centrist conservative or social-democratic parties. Cross-party agreements are possible especially on high-profile issues. Information access rules cover all levels of the executive, but exclude the legislative branch.
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To what extent is political competition among candidates and political parties free and fair?
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There are no barriers, by law or in practice, to effective political competition.
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Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose no significant obstacles to effective political competition.
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Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose some significant obstacles to effective political competition.
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Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose various significant obstacles to effective political competition.
Lithuania’s laws ensure free and fair political competition in national, municipal and European Parliament elections. For a political party to be established, it must have at least 2,000 members. There are minimum deposit requirements for the registration of candidates for all elections and a minimum number of candidates for the Seimas elections. While these requirements might favor established political parties, they are relatively low – starting with a deposit equal to the average monthly wage – and are based on objectively verifiable criteria.
Political parties are eligible to receive state funding if they collected at least 2% of votes during the most recent municipal, parliamentary and European Parliament elections. Taxpayers can also donate up to 0.6% of their personal income tax to political parties. To be eligible to participate in the Seimas elections, candidates must be at least 21 years old; they face additional restrictions related to employment in statutory institutions, criminal records and so on.
Additionally, to be eligible to participate in the presidential elections, candidates must be at least 40 years old and have resided in Lithuania for the last three years. They also have to collect at least 20,000 signatures supporting their candidacy.
Candidates and parties who are denied registration have the right to appeal, and their appeals are reviewed promptly. Parties and candidates must maintain accurate financial records. There is a requirement for a double deposit for any party that in the last elections to the Seimas, municipal councils or the European Parliament nominated candidates but did not furnish a copy of that political campaign’s funding reports and the previous calendar year’s financial statements in compliance with the relevant laws.
Either independent candidates or party-affiliated candidates can stand for election. The so-called public electoral committees, which have been able to participate in municipal and European Parliament elections and compete with political parties since 2015, initially faced less demanding requirements for registration and financial accountability. However, in 2022 these requirements were made stricter to bring them closer to those applied to political parties. Since then, at least 1,000 members have been needed to establish a public electoral committee for participation in European Parliament elections, and at least 0.1% of the population of a particular municipality is required in order to participate in municipal elections.
The territorial boundaries of electoral constituencies have been redrawn based on objective criteria related to demographic changes. In general, neither individual candidates nor parties are discriminated against. The relatively low requirements for establishing a political party and registering candidacies produce a large number of candidates and a broad choice of political alternatives in national, municipal and European Parliament elections. This was again the case in the last municipal elections in March 2023, when 16 parties and 32 public electoral committees were registered for participation, although the number of candidates representing public electoral committees declined compared to the 2019 municipal elections, when 97 were registered (Central Electoral Commission 2023).
Parties and independent candidates have fair opportunities to access the media, particularly through the state-funded Lithuanian public broadcaster, Lithuanian National Radio and Television, which is mandated by law to provide equal access for all candidates to debate and present their election programs. However, the fact that more than half of the mayors in the 60 municipalities were reelected suggests that incumbents may have practical advantages over new candidates in terms of access to local media and other networks that enhance their visibility.
Citations:
The Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania. 1992. https://lrkt.lt/en/about-the-court/legal-information/the-constitution/192
Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas. 1992. (last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265). art. 37(2), 41(1-3).
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Political Parties. 1990. No I-606, as last amended on 6 November 2014, No XII-1292.
Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Lithuanian National Radio and Television. 2020. No. I-1571, XIII-2929, art. 5.
The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania. 2023. “The Results of the Elections to Municipal Councils in March 2023.” https://www.vrk.lt/en/savivaldybiu-tarybu-ir-meru-2023/rezultatai
Political parties are eligible to receive state funding if they collected at least 2% of votes during the most recent municipal, parliamentary and European Parliament elections. Taxpayers can also donate up to 0.6% of their personal income tax to political parties. To be eligible to participate in the Seimas elections, candidates must be at least 21 years old; they face additional restrictions related to employment in statutory institutions, criminal records and so on.
Additionally, to be eligible to participate in the presidential elections, candidates must be at least 40 years old and have resided in Lithuania for the last three years. They also have to collect at least 20,000 signatures supporting their candidacy.
Candidates and parties who are denied registration have the right to appeal, and their appeals are reviewed promptly. Parties and candidates must maintain accurate financial records. There is a requirement for a double deposit for any party that in the last elections to the Seimas, municipal councils or the European Parliament nominated candidates but did not furnish a copy of that political campaign’s funding reports and the previous calendar year’s financial statements in compliance with the relevant laws.
Either independent candidates or party-affiliated candidates can stand for election. The so-called public electoral committees, which have been able to participate in municipal and European Parliament elections and compete with political parties since 2015, initially faced less demanding requirements for registration and financial accountability. However, in 2022 these requirements were made stricter to bring them closer to those applied to political parties. Since then, at least 1,000 members have been needed to establish a public electoral committee for participation in European Parliament elections, and at least 0.1% of the population of a particular municipality is required in order to participate in municipal elections.
The territorial boundaries of electoral constituencies have been redrawn based on objective criteria related to demographic changes. In general, neither individual candidates nor parties are discriminated against. The relatively low requirements for establishing a political party and registering candidacies produce a large number of candidates and a broad choice of political alternatives in national, municipal and European Parliament elections. This was again the case in the last municipal elections in March 2023, when 16 parties and 32 public electoral committees were registered for participation, although the number of candidates representing public electoral committees declined compared to the 2019 municipal elections, when 97 were registered (Central Electoral Commission 2023).
Parties and independent candidates have fair opportunities to access the media, particularly through the state-funded Lithuanian public broadcaster, Lithuanian National Radio and Television, which is mandated by law to provide equal access for all candidates to debate and present their election programs. However, the fact that more than half of the mayors in the 60 municipalities were reelected suggests that incumbents may have practical advantages over new candidates in terms of access to local media and other networks that enhance their visibility.
Citations:
The Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania. 1992. https://lrkt.lt/en/about-the-court/legal-information/the-constitution/192
Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas. 1992. (last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265). art. 37(2), 41(1-3).
Republic of Lithuania, Law on Political Parties. 1990. No I-606, as last amended on 6 November 2014, No XII-1292.
Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Lithuanian National Radio and Television. 2020. No. I-1571, XIII-2929, art. 5.
The Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Lithuania. 2023. “The Results of the Elections to Municipal Councils in March 2023.” https://www.vrk.lt/en/savivaldybiu-tarybu-ir-meru-2023/rezultatai
To what extent can all citizens, both in legal terms (de jure) and in practice (de facto), exercise their right to vote?
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There are no significant barriers, by law or in practice, that hinder citizens or specific groups in society from exercising their right to vote.
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Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose no significant obstacles to voting.
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Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose some significant obstacles to voting.
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Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose various significant obstacles that substantially hinder voting.
All citizens over the age of 18 on election day are eligible to vote. Citizens living abroad may vote if they preregister. Several proposals for the introduction of internet-based voting have been rejected by the parliament, although this issue continues to reappear on the political agenda. Votes can be cast in person on election day, but provisions are also made for early voting, out-of-country voting, voting in special institutions and voting for those who are housebound. According to the Central Electoral Commission (2023), in the municipal elections of March 2023, 9.41% of votes were cast during the period of early voting – that is, before election day on March 5. The elections are conducted according to the established schedule.
In general, the election process is carried out impartially and without discrimination. There are no specific disincentives to voting, although the absence of internet voting capabilities may limit participation rates for citizens living abroad, as overseas voting must be done in person at diplomatic missions typically located in the capitals or other major cities of foreign countries.
After the 2016 parliamentary elections, alleged cases of vote-buying in rural electoral districts emerged, leading to police investigations and the removal of one elected member of parliament from the party list. No such major cases of suspected vote-buying or other irregularities came to light during the 2019 municipal, presidential or European Parliament elections, the 2020 parliamentary elections, or the 2023 municipal elections.
It should be noted that the parliamentary elections in autumn 2020 took place amid the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A longer period of early voting was allowed, more polling stations were established and drive-through voting was provided for voters in self-isolation. Social distancing measures were also enacted during voting on election day. As observed by the OSCE/ODIHR (2020), voters were afforded ample opportunities to cast ballots.
Citations:
Central Electoral Commission of Lithuania. 2023. “The Results of the Municipal Elections 2023 (in Lithuanian).” https://www.vrk.lt/savivaldybiu-tarybu-ir-meru-2023/rezultatai?srcUrl=/rinkimai/1304/1/aktyvumasIsankstinis/lt/aktyvumasIsankstinisBendras_balsData-2023-03-04T00-00-00.html?p_p_id=82&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_82_struts_action=%2Flanguage%2Fview&languageId=en_GB?p_p_id=82&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_82_struts_action=%2Flanguage%2Fview&languageId=en_GB
OSCE/ODIHR Lithuania. 2020. “Parliamentary Elections, 11 and 25 October 2020: Final Report.” https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/lithuania/477730
OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Final Report on the 2019 presidential election in Lithuania, https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/lithuania/433352?download=true
OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Report on the 2016 parliamentary elections in Lithuania, http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/lithuania/296446
In general, the election process is carried out impartially and without discrimination. There are no specific disincentives to voting, although the absence of internet voting capabilities may limit participation rates for citizens living abroad, as overseas voting must be done in person at diplomatic missions typically located in the capitals or other major cities of foreign countries.
After the 2016 parliamentary elections, alleged cases of vote-buying in rural electoral districts emerged, leading to police investigations and the removal of one elected member of parliament from the party list. No such major cases of suspected vote-buying or other irregularities came to light during the 2019 municipal, presidential or European Parliament elections, the 2020 parliamentary elections, or the 2023 municipal elections.
It should be noted that the parliamentary elections in autumn 2020 took place amid the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A longer period of early voting was allowed, more polling stations were established and drive-through voting was provided for voters in self-isolation. Social distancing measures were also enacted during voting on election day. As observed by the OSCE/ODIHR (2020), voters were afforded ample opportunities to cast ballots.
Citations:
Central Electoral Commission of Lithuania. 2023. “The Results of the Municipal Elections 2023 (in Lithuanian).” https://www.vrk.lt/savivaldybiu-tarybu-ir-meru-2023/rezultatai?srcUrl=/rinkimai/1304/1/aktyvumasIsankstinis/lt/aktyvumasIsankstinisBendras_balsData-2023-03-04T00-00-00.html?p_p_id=82&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_82_struts_action=%2Flanguage%2Fview&languageId=en_GB?p_p_id=82&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&_82_struts_action=%2Flanguage%2Fview&languageId=en_GB
OSCE/ODIHR Lithuania. 2020. “Parliamentary Elections, 11 and 25 October 2020: Final Report.” https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/lithuania/477730
OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Final Report on the 2019 presidential election in Lithuania, https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/lithuania/433352?download=true
OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Report on the 2016 parliamentary elections in Lithuania, http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/lithuania/296446
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To what extent do parties articulate and aggregate all societal interests?
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There are no barriers, by law or in practice, to achieving effective societal integration.
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Existing obstacles in the party system, by law and in practice, pose no significant barriers to achieving effective societal integration.
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Existing obstacles in the party system, by law and in practice, pose some significant barriers to achieving effective societal integration.
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Existing obstacles in the party system, by law and in practice, pose various significant barriers to achieving effective societal integration.
Political parties, coalitions and independent candidates participating in national, municipal and European Parliament elections represent a wide range of ideologies. The vote threshold of 5% for political parties and 7% for party coalitions for entry to the Seimas might pose a barrier for smaller fringe parties. However, the mixed electoral system of the Seimas – with 71 members elected based on single-member constituencies and 70 members elected through proportional representation – increases the possibilities for representing distinct local interests.
The political parties elected to the Seimas represent a spectrum of ideologies ranging from left to right, as well as GAL (green, alternative, libertarian) and TAN (traditional, authoritarian, nationalist). Since the reestablishment of independence in the 1990s, no single party has been able to secure a majority of seats in the parliament. Ruling coalitions, typically comprising three or four parties, have generally been dominated by either centrist conservative or social-democratic parties, alternating with each election cycle. These parties also have the most developed organizational structures, with local branches. Amost every parliamentary election has featured the emergence of a newly established political party in the Seimas.
In practice, the political divide between the ruling coalition and the opposition often dictates voting patterns more than ideological cleavages. These ideological differences are further blurred by the presence of informal groups representing GAL and TAN attitudes in major political parties, including the conservative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats, Lithuanian Social Democrats and the Liberal Movement, with those representing TAN attitudes typically elected in single-member districts.
Citations:
The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. “Seimas 2020-2024.” https://www.lrs.lt/sip/portal.show?p_r=35354&p_k=2
The political parties elected to the Seimas represent a spectrum of ideologies ranging from left to right, as well as GAL (green, alternative, libertarian) and TAN (traditional, authoritarian, nationalist). Since the reestablishment of independence in the 1990s, no single party has been able to secure a majority of seats in the parliament. Ruling coalitions, typically comprising three or four parties, have generally been dominated by either centrist conservative or social-democratic parties, alternating with each election cycle. These parties also have the most developed organizational structures, with local branches. Amost every parliamentary election has featured the emergence of a newly established political party in the Seimas.
In practice, the political divide between the ruling coalition and the opposition often dictates voting patterns more than ideological cleavages. These ideological differences are further blurred by the presence of informal groups representing GAL and TAN attitudes in major political parties, including the conservative Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats, Lithuanian Social Democrats and the Liberal Movement, with those representing TAN attitudes typically elected in single-member districts.
Citations:
The Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. “Seimas 2020-2024.” https://www.lrs.lt/sip/portal.show?p_r=35354&p_k=2
To what extent do political parties retain their ability to enable cross-party cooperation in policymaking and implementation?
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There are no barriers, by law or in practice, to achieving effective cross-party cooperation.
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Existing obstacles in the party system, by law and in practice, pose no significant barriers to achieving effective cross-party cooperation.
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Existing obstacles in the party system, by law and in practice, pose some significant barriers to achieving effective cross-party cooperation.
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Existing obstacles in the party system, by law and in practice, pose various significant barriers to achieving effective cross-party cooperation.
Although political conflicts are common in the decision-making process, they often stem from the division between the ruling coalition and the opposition. Typically, these conflicts concern policy issues that do not affect the liberal democratic values and institutions established by the constitution. Moreover, cross-party agreements have been reached on matters of strategic importance, such as the country’s membership in the EU and NATO.
Most recently, a cross-party agreement among most parliamentary parties was signed in mid-2022. This was the fourth such agreement on defense policy since 2012, and aimed to further increase funding for the country’s defense following Russia’s large-scale war against Ukraine. In 2021, parliamentary parties signed a national agreement on education policy for 2021 – 2030. This agreement was initiated by the ruling center-right coalition of conservative and liberal parties and set out policy priorities and funding commitments for the period up to 2030. With new elections approaching in 2024, some opposition parties declared they were leaving some of these cross-party agreements.
Most recently, a cross-party agreement among most parliamentary parties was signed in mid-2022. This was the fourth such agreement on defense policy since 2012, and aimed to further increase funding for the country’s defense following Russia’s large-scale war against Ukraine. In 2021, parliamentary parties signed a national agreement on education policy for 2021 – 2030. This agreement was initiated by the ruling center-right coalition of conservative and liberal parties and set out policy priorities and funding commitments for the period up to 2030. With new elections approaching in 2024, some opposition parties declared they were leaving some of these cross-party agreements.
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To what extent can citizens and residents access official information?
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There are no barriers, by law or in practice, for citizens seeking to access official information.
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Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose no significant obstacles for citizens seeking to access official information.
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Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose some significant obstacles for citizens seeking to access official information.
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Existing barriers, by law and in practice, pose many/various significant obstacles for citizens seeking to access official information.
The principle of freedom of information is upheld in Lithuania’s constitution and legislation. For instance, the Law on the Provision of Information to the Public states that “every individual shall have the right to obtain from state and local authority institutions and agencies and other budgetary institutions public information regarding their activities, their official documents (copies), as well as private information about himself.” Appeals can be made to an internal Appeals Dispute Commission and to administrative courts. Legal measures regarding access to government information are adequate and do not create any access barriers for citizens. Information-access provisions in Lithuania cover all levels of the executive but exclude the legislative branch. The right to request information applies to citizens of and legal residents within Lithuania and European Economic Area states, as well as to foreign nationals with a residence permit.
The conservative-liberal coalition government, formed in late 2020, included several provisions in its program on open data policy to enhance transparency and citizens’ access to data. It pledged “to make open data an essential element of the government’s decision-making and communication processes” and “to ensure that open data is provided to the population and businesses in an orderly and timely manner.” The aim was to allow fast and effective use of data by the public and researchers, enabling them to respond to new challenges and actively participate in the adoption of policy decisions.
In 2022, the Law on Official Statistics and State Data Governance was adopted, reforming the Department of Statistics into the State Data Agency and leading to more data pooling and its more effective and timely use. According to the annual report of the government on its activities in 2022, data from 43 registers and information systems have been integrated into the state data pool, with plans for continued data pooling updated for 2024.
Comparative OECD data show that Lithuania’s performance has improved due to government initiatives. In 2019, Lithuania ranked last in the OECD with regard to data availability and government support for data reuse, and fifth-worst with respect to data accessibility. Its overall index score was also the lowest in the OECD. According to the most recent report published in 2023, Lithuania is now among the top 10 OECD countries characterized by “very high performance” with a comprehensive approach to open data initiatives. Lithuania scored particularly high (fifth place) with regard to data availability and 10th for the accessibility of high-value datasets, although it scored somewhat lower on overall data accessibility (12th) and government support for data reuse.
Citations:
Republic of Lithuania. 1996. Law on the Provisions of Information to the Public. No. I-1418, as last amended on 23 December 2015, No. XII-2239.
The Seimas. 2020. “The Resolution on The Program of the Eighteenth Government of Lithuania.” No. XIV-72.
The Government Annual Report for 2022. 2023. (in Lithuanian) https://epilietis.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/seimui-teikiama-vyriausybes-2022-metu-veiklos-ataskaita
OECD. 2019. “Open, Useful and Re-usable Data (OURdata) Index: 2019.” https://www.oecd.org/countries/lithuania/open-useful-and-re-usable-data-ourdata-index-2019-45f6de2d-en.htm
OECD. 2023. “2023 OECD Open, Useful and Re-usable data (OURdata) Index: Results and Key Findings.” OECD Public Governance Policy Papers, No. 43. OECD Publishing, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1787/a37f51c3-en
OECD. 2015. “Public Governance Review Lithuania – Fostering Open and Inclusive Policymaking Key Findings and Recommendations.” http://www.opengovpartnership.org/blog/ogp/2014/02/12/three-cohort-2-countries-will-not-receive-irm-reports
The conservative-liberal coalition government, formed in late 2020, included several provisions in its program on open data policy to enhance transparency and citizens’ access to data. It pledged “to make open data an essential element of the government’s decision-making and communication processes” and “to ensure that open data is provided to the population and businesses in an orderly and timely manner.” The aim was to allow fast and effective use of data by the public and researchers, enabling them to respond to new challenges and actively participate in the adoption of policy decisions.
In 2022, the Law on Official Statistics and State Data Governance was adopted, reforming the Department of Statistics into the State Data Agency and leading to more data pooling and its more effective and timely use. According to the annual report of the government on its activities in 2022, data from 43 registers and information systems have been integrated into the state data pool, with plans for continued data pooling updated for 2024.
Comparative OECD data show that Lithuania’s performance has improved due to government initiatives. In 2019, Lithuania ranked last in the OECD with regard to data availability and government support for data reuse, and fifth-worst with respect to data accessibility. Its overall index score was also the lowest in the OECD. According to the most recent report published in 2023, Lithuania is now among the top 10 OECD countries characterized by “very high performance” with a comprehensive approach to open data initiatives. Lithuania scored particularly high (fifth place) with regard to data availability and 10th for the accessibility of high-value datasets, although it scored somewhat lower on overall data accessibility (12th) and government support for data reuse.
Citations:
Republic of Lithuania. 1996. Law on the Provisions of Information to the Public. No. I-1418, as last amended on 23 December 2015, No. XII-2239.
The Seimas. 2020. “The Resolution on The Program of the Eighteenth Government of Lithuania.” No. XIV-72.
The Government Annual Report for 2022. 2023. (in Lithuanian) https://epilietis.lrv.lt/lt/naujienos/seimui-teikiama-vyriausybes-2022-metu-veiklos-ataskaita
OECD. 2019. “Open, Useful and Re-usable Data (OURdata) Index: 2019.” https://www.oecd.org/countries/lithuania/open-useful-and-re-usable-data-ourdata-index-2019-45f6de2d-en.htm
OECD. 2023. “2023 OECD Open, Useful and Re-usable data (OURdata) Index: Results and Key Findings.” OECD Public Governance Policy Papers, No. 43. OECD Publishing, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1787/a37f51c3-en
OECD. 2015. “Public Governance Review Lithuania – Fostering Open and Inclusive Policymaking Key Findings and Recommendations.” http://www.opengovpartnership.org/blog/ogp/2014/02/12/three-cohort-2-countries-will-not-receive-irm-reports