Lithuanian opposition wins poll

Andrius Kubilius was prime minister from 1999 to 2000

Lithuania's conservative opposition has come first in the country's general election, after making substantial gains in the second round of voting.

Final voting figures showed the Homeland Union had taken a total of 44 seats in parliament, allowing it the mandate to form a coalition government.

The conservatives and three allied parties will now have a majority in the 141-seat chamber.

The ruling Social Democrats suffered in part owing to the failing economy.

The Homeland Union came out on top in the seats decided last week by proportional representation and now looks to have consolidated its lead through the run-offs which decided the rest of the seats.

Coalition partners

With official results received from 45 out of the 68 constituencies involved, the Homeland Union had a combined total of 44 seats, followed by the Social Democrats with 26 and the newly-founded National Resurrection Party with 16 seats, according to AFP news agency.

I see a very good chance to form a working government for the cause of change, Andrius Kubilius Homeland Union leader Voters' views

The conservatives are likely to seek a centre-right coalition in the parliament with the National Resurrection Party, founded last year by TV quiz show host Arunas Valinskas.

"I see a very good chance to form a working government for the cause of change," Homeland Union leader Andrius Kubilius said, quoted by Reuters news agency.

Mr Valinskas welcomed the possibility of a such a coalition.

"I believe our values, views of the situation and reforms are similar to those of the Homeland Union," he told reporters.

According to AFP, two other potential allies of the conservatives, the Liberal Movement and the Liberal and Centre Union, won 11 and eight seats respectively.

The Order and Justice Party of impeached ex-President Rolandas Paksas secured 15 and the Labour Party - 10, the agency says.

Ex-stunt pilot Mr Paksas was the first European head of state to be removed by impeachment. He quit four years ago amid corruption allegations, which he has always denied.

Although still banned from holding public office, analysts say he could wield huge influence behind the scenes.