Lithuania readies for new government as ruling party comes third in vote

People cast their votes during general election in Vilnius, Lithuania, October 9, 2016. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins

VILNIUS (Reuters) - Lithuania's ruling Social Democrats sank to a distant third place in the first round of national elections, leaving centre-right parties in pole position to form a new coalition government, surprise results showed on Monday.

After a campaign fought largely over Lithuania's sluggish economy, first place went to the Lithuanian Peasants and Greens party with 21.7 percent of the vote and the Homeland Union party close behind with 21.6 percent.