Gitanas Nauseda has been reelected president of Lithuania by over 75% of votes in the runoff election on Sunday, the Central Elections Commission said, citing preliminary information.

His rival, Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte, gained over 22% of the vote.

"I am seriously considering further implementation of the welfare state," Nauseda, who proclaimed the welfare state objective as his election campaign slogan five years ago, said.

He also pledged to carry on with Lithuania's foreign policy course and expressed hope for even greater benefits from membership in international organizations, including the European Union and NATO.

Former Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus backed Nauseda and said that the people had given him "a solid mandate."

This five-year term will be Nauseda's last as the Lithuanian constitution prohibits the same person from being elected president for more than two consecutive terms.

Nauseda, an economist who earned his degree with the Vilnius University and a doctor of social sciences, worked at the Economics and Privatization Institute, the State Pricing and Competition Service and the Bank of Lithuania, taught at Vilnius University for almost three decades, and worked at a private bank for 18 years.

Simonyte called Nauseda, congratulated him on winning the election, and said she would continue to serve as the prime minister, without disclosing her political plans.