Lithuanian Social Democrats Withdraw Candidate, Name New Nominee for By-election

The Lithuanian Social Democrats have decided to withdraw their initially nominated candidate, R. Baranov, for the upcoming by-election in the Nalšia northern constituency. Party member M. Sinkevičius stated that the decision to nominate Baranov was made hastily, without sufficient discussion, due to time pressures. "It was a stated expectation, a consideration, that he could perhaps take on this candidacy possibility. But along the way, we probably, pressed for time, did not have time to properly discuss this situation and perhaps rushed with R. Baranov," Sinkevičius told reporters.

The party has now put forward Vladislav Kondratovich, the outgoing Minister of Internal Affairs, as their new candidate. Sinkevičius expressed confidence that Kondratovich will be a suitable and proper candidate. The by-election is scheduled for November 8, following the death of parliament member Jevgenijus Šuklinas in late May. Šuklinas, a well-known canoeist, was elected in 2024 as part of the Liberal Movement.

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It was a stated expectation, a consideration, that he could perhaps take on this candidacy possibility. But along the way, we probably, pressed for time, did not have time to properly discuss this situation and perhaps rushed with R. Baranov.

The initial decision to nominate R. Baranov had faced public criticism, as he had already been elected to the Seimas (parliament) through a multi-member constituency. The Lithuanian Election Code stipulates that by-elections for a single-member constituency must be held within six months of a parliament member's mandate ending, unless the general election is less than a year away. The vacancy in the Nalšia northern constituency arose after Šuklinas's mandate was revoked by the Central Electoral Commission in early June.

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But, I think we have corrected ourselves and Vladislav Kondratovich will be a suitable and proper candidate.