Lithuania elects first female president

Dalia Grybauskaite has been elected Lithuania\'s first female president.



Ms Grybauskaite, the European Union budget commissioner has won 68 per cent of the 96 per cent of votes counted so far.



Her nearest challenger, Social Democrat lawmaker Algirdas Butke-vicius came a distant second with 12 percent of the votes.



Seven candidates contested the poll, which was held amid widespread concern about the economic downturn in the Baltic state.



Under the Lithuanian Constitution, presidents have limited influence over economic policies.



But as president Ms Grybauskaite will have the right to veto the budget.



Her inauguration is set for July 12.