And here's the competition...

Ceslovas Jursenas
Called the Social Democratic Party's "gray eminence" in the presidential race. Jursenas is an old-club politician who has performed nonstop on the political stage since the restoration of independence. Having worked as a journalist, Jursenas gained popularity in 1988-1989 when he hosted political debates on national television. He was elected for all parliamentary terms since 1990 as a Social Democrat and was twice deputy chairman and once chairman of the Seimas (Lithuania's parliament). Still, as a SocDem Jursenas has always been stuck beneath the shadow of Prime Minister and former President Algirdas Brazauskas. After passing the chairman's position to Brazauskas in 2001, Jursenas took the role of deputy chairman of the Social Democratic Party.
Facts:
* Born May 18, 1938 in Svencionys
* Graduated from Vilnius University with a degree in journalism in 1960, Leningrad Higher Party School with a degree of journalism in 1973
* 1964-1968: International observer at National Radio and Television
* 1968-1973: chief editor at National Television information department
* 1973-1990: member of Communist Party
* 1989-1991: the first governmental press spokesman for the provisional postindependence government

Algirdas Pilvelis
Perhaps Lithuania's most experienced political candidate. While he has never been involved in politics directly, this is the third time this public activist is running in a presidential election. Pilvelis is the chief editor and the owner of the daily Lietuvos Aidas. As a journalist, he is better known for stirring emotions than informing the public. He is running as candidate for the marginal Lithuanian Reform Party, of which he is founder and chairman. According to political analysts, Pilvelis is not serious with his presidential intentions, nor does he believe in his success; his third attempt to run for president is regarded as way to advertise his paper.
Facts:
* Born in 1944, Lazdijai
* Graduated from Kaunas Politechnical Institute with a degree in engineering and Vilnius University with a degree in history

Kazimira Prunskiene
An active supporter of impeached Rolandas Paksas. Prunskiene, the so-called Amber Lady, has long been involved in politics. In 1988 she cofounded the Sajudis liberation movement, and two years later she signed the act that restored Lithuania's independence. This is the second time Prunskiene is running for president. During the 2002 election, she garnered only 7 percent of the vote. Her campaign was turbulent due to accusations of alleged collaboration with the KGB during Soviet times. Though she denied all charges, Prunskiene struggled to prove her innocence in court, and the Central Electoral Committee has already warned that it may be forced to inform the public of her possible ties to the KGB.
Facts:
* Born Feb. 26, 1943 in Svencionys
* Graduated from Vilnius University with a degree in economics
* 1978 - 1981: dean at Vilnius and Hungarian universities
* 1980 -1990: member of Communist Party
* Since 1996, dean at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
* Since 1992, president of Women's Association of Lithuania

Not pictured: Rolandas Paksas
Compiled by Milda Seputyte