Vilnius  - A new political party in Lithuania featuring the Baltic nation's famous people failed to muster enough delegates at its inaugural congress, local media reported on Monday.

The National Awakening Party's congress on Sunday drew 687 delegates, below the legal requirement.

A political party may be formed by at least 1,000 people, an expert at the Justice Ministry told ru. delfi. lt news portal.

Famous TV personalities, actors and musicians formed the party planning to participate in the Baltic nation's October 12 parliamentary elections.

Critics said the party drew big names only to attract votes.

TV presenter and producer Arunas Valinskas told journalists the party hopes to overcome the 5-per-cent barrier required to win seats in the Lithuanian parliament, Seimas.

The National Awakening Party hopes to claim most votes in single- mandate districts and plans to be represented in all of the nation's 71 districts in the country that joined the European Union and NATO in 2004.

"We will try to embody the attitude that commitments made to Euro- Atlantic, international partners, would be seen and implemented in Lithuania not as a burden, but an honourable duty ... We will seek to have Lithuania become a leader among the Baltic States," the party's platform states.

The legitimacy of the party depends on the decision of the Justice Ministry, which is responsible for registering political parties in Lithuania. It is expected within a month. (dpa)