Vilnius - Lithuanians return to the polls for the second round of voting in their 2008 general election Sunday 26 October.

Two weeks ago, the first round of voting in the Baltic nation gave the opposition Homeland Union - the Christian Democrats - a slight lead with 19.72 per cent of the vote which they are predicted to extend in Sunday's vote and gain a mandate to form the next government.

"We are ready to take responsibility and expect the president's offer to start forming a new cabinet," party leader Andrius Kubilius said after the first round. The conservative-leaning party is currently in opposition.

The surprise of the first round was a strong showing by the newly- formed Rising Nation party, known locally as the "showbiz" party. Led by television presenter Arunas Valinskas and with backing from numerous figures in popular entertainment, it emerged as the second- largest party, taking 15.09 per cent of the vote.

With so many members used to taking centre stage, and no track record, it looks likely to be part of whatever coalition government forms after Sunday's vote.

The first round saw 73 of Lithuania's 141 parliamentary seats decided, leaving 68 to be fought over in the second round. Voter turnout was higher than expected at 48 per cent, though the second round is expected to prove less of a draw.

The second round takes place on a majority voting basis rather than the proportional representation system employed during the first round. In each constituency, only the two candidates gaining most votes in the first round can stand. Whichever polls the most votes is elected.

With the Homeland Union fielding one of the candidates in 44 of the 68 constituencies up for grabs, they have a strong chance to add to the 18 seats they won in the first round.

Chairman of the Lithuanian Central Election Commission, Zenonas Vaigauskas, told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa: "This system guarantees a clear decision. Just one vote more is all that is necessary to give victory to a candidate."

Polling stations will be open from 7 am until 8 pm on Sunday with the final outcome likely to be announced on Monday.

But even with all the votes counted, the political wheeling and dealing to form a viable coalition from Lithuania's numerous political parties will only just be beginning. (dpa)