2024-10-27, Lithuanian House, 2 Bessborough Gardens, London SW1V 2JE
As election observers delegated by various political parties and non-governmental organisations, we are raising awareness about issues related to the ongoing Lithuanian parliamentary elections.
This weekend, the second round of Lithuanian parliamentary elections will be held, and Lithuanians living in the United Kingdom can vote at the Lithuanian Embassy. As election observers, we have encountered several procedural violations, including:
Ballots for the second round were sent to voters before the first round's results were counted and confirmed.
The ballot papers for the second round are unofficially produced and lack mandatory numbering and security marks. They consist only of black-and-white photocopies printed at the embassy without documented oversight.
Tracking the sent and received ballot envelopes is insufficiently accountable; the ballots are not officially recorded as legally required.
Envelopes with received ballots are opened without the presence of observers.
The Lithuanian Embassy, responsible for administering these elections in the United Kingdom, has revoked observer permission to document offences during them.
The embassy itself investigates complaints from observers regarding the embassy's conduct.
Due to these acts of misconduct, we, as election observers, will discontinue our duties and organise a peaceful protest outside the Embassy of Lithuania to inform the public that the elections administered by this embassy do not meet national legal requirements.
