April 13th, 2016, University of Latvia Lecturer Dr. Lilita Seimuškane discussed "Current Tendencies of Citizens' Participation in Local Governments in Latvia," during a conference, "Effectiveness in the Public Sector."

The day-long conference was held at Mykolas Romeris University (MRU). She was one of many academics making presentations.

MRU Rector Assoc. Prof. Algirdas Monkevičius delivered the welcome address. He was joined by Lithuania's Social Security and Labour Minister Algimanta Pabedinskienė, who also addressed conference participants.

Before the start of the official conference, Rector Monkevičius and Minister Pabedinskienė presented "Community Stars 2015" plaques to winners of a Community competition.

Anykščiai area Elmininkų community chairman Diana Šėrmukšnienė was the winner in the category, "Local Community Leader." Second place winner was the Kretinga area municipality's Baubliai village community center, nominated for "Best Community Success Story." Third place went to the Kėdainių area municipality's Josvainių village as the "Most Community-oriented Municipality."

Dr. Seimuškane discussed voting patterns in Latvia's municipalities and those for European Parliament (EP) elections. She cited low turnout for EP elections and especially low interest by young voters.

In her presentation she said that direct involvement of residents in decision-making, where participation means having a voice in the government, is possible in local elections only.