The 1997-1998 presidential elections in Lithuania
ENThe modem presidency of Lithuania enjoys limited constitutional power in the mixed parliamentary-presidential system. Presidential powers in constitutional terms can be assessed along two dimensions: one concerning power over legislation, the other encompassing non-legislative powers, including authority over the cabinet and calling of early elections of the Parliament. In neither one of these dimensions can the Lithuanian President exercise full discretion. The President’s decree powers are strictly enumerated within the Constitution providing the President with very little room for substantive political action. According to article 84 of the Constitution, the President has decision-making power in the areas of formulation and implementation of foreign and national defense policy, as well as significant responsibilities in the selection and appointment of leading officials in the system of courts, including a right to propose Supreme Court judge candidates, the nominees of three Constitutional Court judges and a candidate for the Constitutional Court Chairperson to the Seimas (Lietuvos Respublikos Konstitucija, 1993, 51-53). The President’s veto powers are rather limited. He or she has to promulgate or veto a Bill within 10 days of its adoption, but the presidential veto can be overridden by an absolute majority of the Parliament.
