Constituent Assembly of Lithuania

The Constituent Assembly of Lithuania () was democratically elected in 1920 to draft and adopt the 1922 constitution of Lithuania.

Historical background

Since 1795, Lithuania had been part of the Russian Empire. At the end of the World War I, on February 16, 1918, the Council of Lithuania declared Lithuania's independence. The act of declaration called for forming a Constituent Assembly as soon as possible. However, Lithuania remained under German control till the Wilhelmshaven mutiny took place in fall 1918. On November 2, 1918 the first draft of the constitution of Lithuania was adopted. On November 11, the same day as the final armistice treaty ending World War I was signed, the first government of Lithuania was formed. Augustinas Voldemaras became the first prime minister. In December 1918, the Red Army invaded the country, triggering the Freedom Wars started. By the end of 1919 the Red Army and the Bermontians were successfully ousted from the territory of Lithuania and the formation of state institutions and infrastructure began.

Representatives

The law describing the procedures of electing and the powers of the Constituent Assembly was adopted on October 30, 1919. The elections were held only on April 14-15, 1920. The voter turnout reached about 90%. The voters, both men and women, elected 112 representatives. The majority, 59 seats, was taken by Christian democrats. 28 seats were taken by Peasants' Union and socialists, 12 by social democrats, 10 by minorities...
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