[2] The coalition did not last the full term – New Union and Labour Party left it in spring, 2006, bringing down the government of Brazauskas, who resigned and retired from politics.

[3] Gediminas Kirkilas became the new Prime Minister and the coalition (this time composed only by Social Democrats and Lithuanian Popular Peasants Union) was joined by the Civic Democratic Party (which had splintered from the Labour Party earlier in the year) and the Liberal and Centre Union.

Members of the Seimas in the 71 single-seat constituencies were elected by a majority vote, with a run-off held on 26 October.

[1] The remaining 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.

In addition, energy security featured prominently, with the referendum on continued operation of Ignalina nuclear power plant was to take place with the elections.

[6][1] Homeland Union was critical of the decision to hold a referendum regarding the Ignalina power plant,[5] but promised to negotiate with the European Commission to postpone its closure.

Homeland Union performed well in the municipal elections in 2007 and was hoping to further expand its electorate by actively campaigning on social media.

[7] Order and Justice, led by former president Rolandas Paksas, campaigned for change, arguing that there was little difference between the two largest parties, Homeland Union and Social Democrats.

[6] Other major contenders in the elections were the Lithuanian Peasant Popular Union, which had formed part of the government since 2004, the Liberal Movement, which enjoyed substantial support among students and businessmen, and the Liberal and Centre Union, led by former mayor of Vilnius, Artūras Zuokas.

Newly formed National Resurrection Party, led by a businessman and a showman Arūnas Valinskas rose to prominence shortly before the elections, with many media personalities among its ranks.

The recently established National Resurrection Party finished second in the nationwide constituency (winning 13 out of 70 proportionally-allocated seats), surprising many analysts.

Its success was attributed to protest votes against established political movements and the party's popularity among young people attracted to its celebrity members.