Russia defence concerns dominate Lithuania presidency vote

(ANSA-AFP) - VILNIUS, MAY 10 - Lithuania votes Sunday in a presidential election dominated by security concerns as the NATO and EU member plans to boost defence spending to counter the perceived threat from neighbouring Russia. The Baltic state of 2. 8 million people fears it could be next in Russia's crosshairs if Moscow wins its war against Ukraine, which began with an invasion in 2022.
    Opinion polls give the incumbent, 59-year-old former banker Gitanas Nauseda, a comfortable lead over the other seven candidates, who include Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and prominent lawyer Ignas Vegele. Observers believe Nauseda will be reelected in a run-off at the end of the month. He appears unlikely to garner enough votes -- over 50 percent -- to score an outright win. (ANSA-AFP).