the European elections and the party was seen as the frontrunner for the parliamentary elections. Electoral system All seats in the 141-member Seimas were up for election in parallel voting, with 71 members elected in single-seat constituencies and 70 members elected by proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency. Voting in the elections was open to all citizens of Lithuania who are at least 18-years-old. 70 seats were allocated to the participating political parties using the largest remainder method, with a 5% threshold (7% for multi-party lists) to enter the parliament. Candidates took the seats allocated to their parties based on the preference lists submitted before the elections and adjusted by preference votes given by the voters. These elections were the first ones, when positive preference votes were given in the parliamentary election (this system was introduced in 1999 for 2000 Lithuanian munipal elections and in 2003 for 2004 European Parliament election). Each voter has five preference votes at maximum. Due to amendment in the Constitution of Lithuania in July 2004, the first round took place on 10 October 2004 (the second Sunday of October). Also, these elections were first ones with permanently set voting day (in 1992, 1996 and 2000 parliamentary elections voting date were set on initiative of Supreme Soviet or President of Republic). In a change from the elections in 2000, members of the Seimas in the 71 single-seat constituencies were once again elected by a majority vote, with a run-off held on 24 October. Also, changes to Seimas Elections' Act were imposed to the elections in single member constituencies. Prior these changes, voting results in single member constituencies would not be declared valid if voter turnout was below 40 per cent mark (due to this, second round voting in Kaišiadorys constituency from 1993 to 1995 took place four times before member of Seimas was elected). After these changes, second round voting results would be declared valid no matter of voter turnout. To be eligible for election, candidates had to be at least 25-years-old on the election day, not under allegiance to a foreign state and permanently resident in Lithuania. Persons serving or due to serve a sentence imposed by the court 65 days before the elections were not eligible. Also, judges, citizens performing military service, and servicemen of professional military service and officials of statutory institutions and establishments could not stand for election. In February 2003,