Lithuania’s presidential election is to go to a second round run-off after President Dalia Grybauskaite fell short of the 50 percent of votes needed to get re-elected in the first round.

However she did emerge as the clear winner polling nearly 47 percent with her nearest rival Zigmantas Balcytis trailing on just 14 percent.

Grybauskaite is a popular figure in Lithuania – her strong stance against Moscow’s intervention in Ukraine has struck a chord in the Baltic state which like its neighbours has been anxious since Russia seized Crimea.

The 58-year-old leader who has a black belt in Karate, has held consistently high ratings throughout her first five-year term and is firm favourite to keep the presidency in the second round which is scheduled for May 25.