Poland: Poland’s electorate is heading to the polls today in a crucial presidential run-off that could decisively influence the nation’s trajectory within the European Union and its internal political landscape.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (05:00 GMT) with two leading candidates, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, representing the pro-EU center-right Civic Platform, and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, backed by the right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS), battling for the presidency.
The run-off comes after a tightly contested first round on May 18, where Trzaskowski narrowly led with just over 31 percent of the vote, followed closely by Nawrocki’s nearly 30 percent.
Eleven other candidates were eliminated, setting the stage for a high-stakes duel to succeed incumbent Andrzej Duda, the nationalist conservative president allied with PiS.
Duda’s presidency has been marked by clashes over justice reforms, with his use of veto power frustrating efforts by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist government.
@PLinCanada
The campaign has brought Poland’s deep political and ideological divisions into sharp relief. The election is widely seen as a referendum on whether the country will continue its nationalist, conservative path or shift more firmly towards liberal democratic values aligned with the EU.
Trzaskowski, 53, son of a renowned jazz musician, campaigns on promises to restore judicial independence, relax abortion laws, and rebuild cooperative relations with European partners.
Opposing him is 42-year-old Karol Nawrocki, a former boxer and historian who has gained support from figures such as US President Donald Trump.
Polling will close at 9 p.m. local time (19:00 GMT), with exit polls expected immediately thereafter. The final results are anticipated on Monday, setting the course for Poland’s next chapter amid a polarized electorate and a shifting European landscape.
