Lithuanian parlt to consider bid to restrict candidacy of persons with criminal past

With 77 votes in support and six abstentions, the parliament on Thursday approved for discussion a relevant amendment to the Constitution. The change was initiated by Liberal MP Vitalijus Gailius.

If approved the Constitutional amendment would envisage that persons convicted of premeditated crimes would not be eligible to run for Seimas, if their conviction has not expired or cannot be annuled.

After the Thursday’s approval, the bill will now go to parliamentary committees. In Lithuania’s, Constitutional amendments require two votes at least three months apart. To pass the amendments, 94 members of Lithuania’s 141-member parliament must vote in support.