Vilnius - Lithuanians are voting in the second and final round of their 2008 general election on Sunday. Polls opened at 7 am and close at 8 pm.

Two weeks ago, the first round of voting in the largest of the Baltic states gave the opposition Homeland Union - Christian Democrats party a lead with 19.72 per cent of the vote and 18 members in the 141-seat parliament or Seimas.

Polls suggest that in the second round, the conservative-leaning party could easily double the 18 members of parliament it gained in the first round and gain a clear 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 second round takes place on a majority voting basis rather than the proportional representation system employed during the first round.

In each constituency, the two candidates gaining most votes in the first round are standing against each other. Whichever polls the most votes is elected.

Because the Homeland Union is fielding candidates in 45 of the 68 constituencies being fought over Sunday, they have a strong chance to add to their haul of seats.

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 a television presenter, it emerged as the second-largest party, taking 15 per cent of the vote and 13 seats, but it seems unlikely to make a similar impact in the second round as it is fighting in just nine districts.

Nevertheless, it looks certain to play a key role in negotiations to form the next government.

The Social Democratic Party of current Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas is hoping to stage a partial comeback after a weak showing in the first round. It is contesting 24 districts Sunday.

Voter turnout in the first round was higher than expected at 48 per cent, and though the second round usually sees a drop in voter attendance, early indications are that turnout will beat the 40-per- cent figure from the second round of the 2004 elections.

First results are expected in the early hours of Monday morning. (dpa)