Vilnius - President Valdas Adamkus of Lithuania called on his compatriots to turn out for Sunday's general election in a statement issued on Friday. Describing the election as a "big challenge" the president (who is not elected during general elections) said it was the civic duty of Lithuanians to participate.
"Lithuania's budget situation is deteriorating, the world is enraptured in the financial crisis. These elections are therefore of essential importance - we must entrust the state to the hands of reliable and professional individuals, determined to serve their country," Adamkus said.
At the same time he renewed criticism of the referendum on extending the life of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP) which will take place at the same time as the general election vote.
"I am not an advocate of the advisory referendum, as I don't feel that we should pressure our European Union partners with such methods. The Seimas (Lithuanian parliament), however, decided to hold the advisory referendum and there is no way back at this time," Adamkus said.
The 71-year-old president had previously signalled that he intended to leave his own referendum ballot paper blank, but he now appears to have changed his mind.
"It is as much one's civil duty as participation in Seimas elections," he said.
By voting, people would have a chance to express "anxiety about our country's energy condition."
