Poland's opposition leader Donald Tusk said Sunday (Oct 15) that the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party's "reign is over" following the parliamentary election in the country.&nbsp;

The exit poll showed the PiS party had won the most votes, however, a combined opposition coalition led by Tusk claimed to form a government.&nbsp;

As per the exit poll, PiS was at 36.8% and Tusk's Civic Coalition at 31.6%. But, the Tusk-led coalition could form a government with 13% for the centre-right Third Way and 8.6% for the leftwing Lewica.&nbsp;

In terms of seats, Tusk's coalition could win 163 seats in the 460-seat parliament and Third Way and Left were set for 55 and 30 seats, respectively, according to the exit poll. That would give the three a majority of 248.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, PiS is predicted to win 200 seats and the far-right Confederation, its potential coalition partner, was given only 12 seats by the Ipsos exit poll.&nbsp;

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Tusk, the former Polish prime and EU chief told supporters&nbsp;that "this grim period is over, the Law and Justice reign is over". He added that "Poland won, democracy won".&nbsp;

While addressing the assembled supporters, Tusk said, "It's the end of the evil times, it's the end of the PiS rule, we made it. We won democracy, we won freedom, we won our free beloved Poland… this day will be remembered in history as a bright day, the rebirth of Poland."&nbsp;

Sixty-six-year-old Tusk served as Poland's prime minister between 2007 and 2014 and as European Council president between 2014 and 2019.&nbsp;

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During this election, Tusk vowed to restore good relations with the European Union. He also said that if he wins, he will unblock EU funds frozen because of disputes over the past eight years of the PiS government.

Tusk has also vowed to legalise abortion, which emerged as a major point of contention against the government which has emphasised traditional Catholic values.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Poland's opposition leader Donald Tusk said Sunday (Oct 15) that the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party's "reign is over" following the parliamentary election in the country.

Poland's opposition leader Donald Tusk said Sunday (Oct 15) that the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party's "reign is over" following the parliamentary election in the country. The exit poll showed the PiS party had won the most votes, however, a combined opposition coalition led by Tusk claimed to form a government. As per the exit poll, PiS was at 36.8% and Tusk's Civic Coalition at 31.6%. But, the Tusk-led coalition could form a government with 13% for the centre-right Third Way and 8.6% for the leftwing Lewica. In terms of seats, Tusk's coalition could win 163 seats in the 460-seat parliament and Third Way and Left were set for 55 and 30 seats, respectively, according to the exit poll. That would give the three a majority of 248. Meanwhile, PiS is predicted to win 200 seats and the far-right Confederation, its potential coalition partner, was given only 12 seats by the Ipsos exit poll. Also read: Donald Trump-backed Jeff Landry wins governor race in Louisiana I znowu był Was milion (prawie)❤️😉 pic.twitter.com/Zni2VH1SSI — Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) October 15, 2023 × Tusk, the former Polish prime and EU chief told supporters that "this grim period is over, the Law and Justice reign is over". He added that "Poland won, democracy won". While addressing the assembled supporters, Tusk said, "It's the end of the evil times, it's the end of the PiS rule, we made it. We won democracy, we won freedom, we won our free beloved Poland… this day will be remembered in history as a bright day, the rebirth of Poland." Sixty-six-year-old Tusk served as Poland's prime minister between 2007 and 2014 and as European Council president between 2014 and 2019. Also read: Australia fines Musk’s X $385,000 for failure to provide information on child abuse content During this election, Tusk vowed to restore good relations with the European Union. He also said that if he wins, he will unblock EU funds frozen because of disputes over the past eight years of the PiS government. Tusk has also vowed to legalise abortion, which emerged as a major point of contention against the government which has emphasised traditional Catholic values. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Poland election: Opposition parties led by Donald Tusk tipped to win parliamentary majority

Hundreds of thousands of individuals gathered in Warsaw, Poland's capital city on Sunday (Oct 1) in the lead-up to a crucial election in Poland due to be held on October 15.&nbsp;

Poland's opposition party liberal Civic Platform (PO) is banking on the rally to become one of the largest in decades, hoping to energise voters and boost participation in the election.

According to the opinion polls, the ruling party Law and Justice (PiS) may emerge victorious in the upcoming vote.

However, forming a majority could be challenging for PiS due to public discontent regarding rising living costs and concerns about the erosion of democratic checks and balances.

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With just two weeks remaining, Poland's opposition party liberal Civic Platform (PO) said that the upcoming elections hold the key to nation's future within the European Union and its democratic foundations.

<h2>Call for change</h2>

Civic Platform (Polish: Platforma Obywatelska, PO), led by Donald Tusk, addressed the crowds gathered in central Warsaw, proclaiming, "Big change is coming. This is a sign of Poland’s rebirth."

Tusk, a former European Council president, suggested that PiS might have ambitions to lead Poland out of the EU, a claim that PiS denies.

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PiS, in power since 2015, has campaigned on promises to enforce strict immigration controls, citing national security concerns, and to continue directing financial support towards families and the elderly.

Hanna Chaciewicz, a 59-year-old dentist from Otwock, voiced her aspirations, stating, “I want to be free, be in the EU, I want to have a say, I want to have free courts.”

<h2>Controversial judiciary reforms</h2>

In late 2015, when Poland's Law and Justice (PiS) party assumed power, they initiated plans to overhaul the judiciary.

In 2019, Poland enacted the justice reforms, which have been met with criticism from the European Union and other opponents.

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Critics argue that the reforms pose a fundamental threat to the rule of law and democratic principles in Poland.

PiS has rejected Western criticism, asserting that its judiciary reforms aim to create a fairer country free from the remnants of communism. The party also contends that its alterations to public media aim to eliminate foreign influence.

Despite PiS's assertions, it has yet to gain access to billions of euros in EU COVID recovery funds. Brussels has withheld these funds due to concerns about the Polish judiciary reforms.

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Hundreds of thousands of individuals gathered in Warsaw, Poland's capital city on Sunday (Oct 1) in the lead-up to a crucial election in Poland due to be held on October 15.

Hundreds of thousands of individuals gathered in Warsaw, Poland's capital city on Sunday (Oct 1) in the lead-up to a crucial election in Poland due to be held on October 15. Poland's opposition party liberal Civic Platform (PO) is banking on the rally to become one of the largest in decades, hoping to energise voters and boost participation in the election. According to the opinion polls, the ruling party Law and Justice (PiS) may emerge victorious in the upcoming vote. However, forming a majority could be challenging for PiS due to public discontent regarding rising living costs and concerns about the erosion of democratic checks and balances. Also Read | New York's flooding is 'new normal' in wake of climate change: Governor With just two weeks remaining, Poland's opposition party liberal Civic Platform (PO) said that the upcoming elections hold the key to nation's future within the European Union and its democratic foundations. Call for change Civic Platform (Polish: Platforma Obywatelska, PO), led by Donald Tusk, addressed the crowds gathered in central Warsaw, proclaiming, "Big change is coming. This is a sign of Poland’s rebirth." Tusk, a former European Council president, suggested that PiS might have ambitions to lead Poland out of the EU, a claim that PiS denies. Also Read | UN mission arrives in Karabakh for first visit in nearly 30 years PiS, in power since 2015, has campaigned on promises to enforce strict immigration controls, citing national security concerns, and to continue directing financial support towards families and the elderly. Hanna Chaciewicz, a 59-year-old dentist from Otwock, voiced her aspirations, stating, “I want to be free, be in the EU, I want to have a say, I want to have free courts.” Controversial judiciary reforms In late 2015, when Poland's Law and Justice (PiS) party assumed power, they initiated plans to overhaul the judiciary. In 2019, Poland enacted the justice reforms, which have been met with criticism from the European Union and other opponents. Watch | US government gets a 45-day breather, averts government shutdown × Critics argue that the reforms pose a fundamental threat to the rule of law and democratic principles in Poland. PiS has rejected Western criticism, asserting that its judiciary reforms aim to create a fairer country free from the remnants of communism. The party also contends that its alterations to public media aim to eliminate foreign influence. Despite PiS's assertions, it has yet to gain access to billions of euros in EU COVID recovery funds. Brussels has withheld these funds due to concerns about the Polish judiciary reforms. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'Big change is coming': Poland oppn gives rallying cry in Warsaw as thousands gather

Poland's conservative president Andrzej Duda has won another term in power after the second round of results in the presidential elections were revealed on Monday.

Poland's Duda wins 2nd term in office

For Jakub Kwiecins ki and Dawid Mycek, Polish gay couple and LGBT activists, the election win of incumbent president Andrzej Duda comes with fear and disappointment.

Gay activists fear more discrimination as Poland's Duda wins second term

Incumbent Andrzej Duda was marginally ahead in Poland`s presidential election on Sunday, an exit poll found, in a result seen as likely to have profound implications for Warsaw`s relations with the rest of the European Union.

The re-election of Duda, an ally of the ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS), is crucial if the government is to implement in full its conservative agenda, including judicial reforms that the European Union says are undemocratic.

Duda`s challenger, liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, has pledged to repair Poland`s relations with Europe and use the presidential veto power to hold back any legislation that would subvert the rule of law.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-holds-momentous-tight-presidential-election-runoff-312727">Also read:&nbsp;Poland holds momentous, tight presidential election runoff</a>

The exit poll by Ipsos showed Duda winning 50.4% of the vote, while Trzaskowski, the preferred candidate of the main opposition party, the centrist Civic Platform (PO), had 49.6%. Ipsos said it was too early to call a winner.

"All we need is to count the votes. The night will be tense but I am certain that when the votes are counted, we will win," Trzaskowski told supporters in a park just outside Warsaw`s historic Old Town.

Partial official results are expected on Monday.

Opinion polls before the election had shown the candidates, both 48, neck and neck, with Trzaskowski having closed the gap on Duda, who initially looked like a clear favourite.

Backed by the government, Duda ran an acrimonious campaign, laced with homophobic language, attacks on independent media and accusations levied against Trzaskowski that he would serve foreign interests instead of Poland`s.

Duda, a devout believer, had painted himself as a defender of Catholic values and of the government`s generous social benefit programmes that have transformed life for many, especially in the poorer rural regions of the country.

He appeared conciliatory on Sunday. "If anyone was offended by anything I did or said in the last five years, not just during the campaign, please accept my apology," he told supporters in Pultusk, a small town north of the capital.

Duda has also championed large infrastructure projects, which he says will create jobs and boost the country`s autonomy and international standing.

Lethal Danger 
For many religious conservatives in Poland, Trzaskowski came to represent the threats facing traditional values when he pledged to introduce education about LGBT rights in the city`s schools.

The archbishop of Krakow, Marek Jedraszewski, told worshippers in the southern city of Czestochowa on Saturday that Poland faced a "lethal danger" from ideologies that seek to undermine the traditional family structure and corrupt children.

Trzaskowski says he seeks a more tolerant Poland and has criticised PiS` rhetoric, vowing to abolish state news channel TVP Info, which critics say gave overt support to Duda in its programming.

"In politics, you should have opponents, not enemies," Trzaskowski said on Sunday. "They thought they had full power, but today they have fear in their eyes."

Duda` re-election to a second five-year term would open up the prospect of three years of uninterrupted rule by PiS, which controls the lower house of parliament, with the next national election scheduled for 2023.

Observers say his defeat could undermine the fragile parliamentary majority that supports the PiS government, raising the spectre of political instability as Poland is coping with the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

The election is being closely watched in Brussels.

Before PiS and Duda came to power in 2015, Poland had one of the most pro-European administrations in the bloc`s ex-communist east. But it has grown increasingly isolated, with divisions focusing on climate change and migration, in addition to democratic norms.

Incumbent Andrzej Duda was marginally ahead in Poland`s presidential election on Sunday, an exit poll found, in a result seen as likely to have profound implications for Warsaw`s relations with the rest of the European Union.

Incumbent Andrzej Duda was marginally ahead in Poland`s presidential election on Sunday, an exit poll found, in a result seen as likely to have profound implications for Warsaw`s relations with the rest of the European Union. The re-election of Duda, an ally of the ruling nationalists Law and Justice (PiS), is crucial if the government is to implement in full its conservative agenda, including judicial reforms that the European Union says are undemocratic. Duda`s challenger, liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, has pledged to repair Poland`s relations with Europe and use the presidential veto power to hold back any legislation that would subvert the rule of law. Also read: Poland holds momentous, tight presidential election runoff The exit poll by Ipsos showed Duda winning 50.4% of the vote, while Trzaskowski, the preferred candidate of the main opposition party, the centrist Civic Platform (PO), had 49.6%. Ipsos said it was too early to call a winner. "All we need is to count the votes. The night will be tense but I am certain that when the votes are counted, we will win," Trzaskowski told supporters in a park just outside Warsaw`s historic Old Town. Partial official results are expected on Monday. Opinion polls before the election had shown the candidates, both 48, neck and neck, with Trzaskowski having closed the gap on Duda, who initially looked like a clear favourite. Backed by the government, Duda ran an acrimonious campaign, laced with homophobic language, attacks on independent media and accusations levied against Trzaskowski that he would serve foreign interests instead of Poland`s. Duda, a devout believer, had painted himself as a defender of Catholic values and of the government`s generous social benefit programmes that have transformed life for many, especially in the poorer rural regions of the country. He appeared conciliatory on Sunday. "If anyone was offended by anything I did or said in the last five years, not just during the campaign, please accept my apology," he told supporters in Pultusk, a small town north of the capital. Duda has also championed large infrastructure projects, which he says will create jobs and boost the country`s autonomy and international standing. Lethal Danger For many religious conservatives in Poland, Trzaskowski came to represent the threats facing traditional values when he pledged to introduce education about LGBT rights in the city`s schools. The archbishop of Krakow, Marek Jedraszewski, told worshippers in the southern city of Czestochowa on Saturday that Poland faced a "lethal danger" from ideologies that seek to undermine the traditional family structure and corrupt children. Trzaskowski says he seeks a more tolerant Poland and has criticised PiS` rhetoric, vowing to abolish state news channel TVP Info, which critics say gave overt support to Duda in its programming. "In politics, you should have opponents, not enemies," Trzaskowski said on Sunday. "They thought they had full power, but today they have fear in their eyes." Duda` re-election to a second five-year term would open up the prospect of three years of uninterrupted rule by PiS, which controls the lower house of parliament, with the next national election scheduled for 2023. Observers say his defeat could undermine the fragile parliamentary majority that supports the PiS government, raising the spectre of political instability as Poland is coping with the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The election is being closely watched in Brussels. Before PiS and Duda came to power in 2015, Poland had one of the most pro-European administrations in the bloc`s ex-communist east. But it has grown increasingly isolated, with divisions focusing on climate change and migration, in addition to democratic norms.

Polish presidential election too close to call, incumbent marginally ahead

Poles voted on Sunday in a razor edge presidential run-off election between a populist incumbent allied with US President Donald Trump and a europhile liberal challenger, with experts saying the result will define the future of the country's young democracy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-imposes-border-checks-quarantine-to-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus-312767" hreflang="en">Hungary imposes border checks, quarantine to prevent spread of coronavirus</a>

The stakes are high for Poland's right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party government, which has relied on incumbent President Andrzej Duda to endorse judicial reforms that have set Warsaw on a collision course with the EU over democratic standards just three decades after communism's demise.

Duda was struggling to beat Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski of the opposition Civic Platform (PO) as final opinion polls showed the two running neck and neck.

Wojciech, a 59-year-old builder who declined to give his surname, said he chose Duda because his close ties to Trump meant Poland "can count on the US for defence".&nbsp;

He also said he "agrees completely" with Duda's promise to ban adoption for same-sex couples.

Warsaw pensioners who identified themselves only as Helena and Maria, both in their eighties, said they picked the pro-European Trzaskowski hoping he could "get things back on the right track with the EU".&nbsp;

"We remember too well how it was before (under communism), so for our grandchildren we want Poland to be stable in Europe," Helena told AFP.

Turnout had hit a record high 52.10 percent by 1500 GMT, the state elections commission said, suggesting the coronavirus pandemic had not dampened participation.

Long, snaking queues formed at polling stations as social distancing measures were used to stem infections.

Voters also had to wear masks, use hand sanitiser and their own pens, plus give priority to pensioners, pregnant women and voters with children.&nbsp;

The election had been due in May but was delayed because of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Duda's support has slipped considerably since then, partly because of the virus fallout, which is pushing Poland into its first recession since communism fell.

An exit poll is due when voting wraps up at 1900 GMT while official results are expected Monday morning.

Experts warn that Sunday's result could be too close to call, possibly triggering legal challenges and protests.

Duda won round one on June 28 with 43.5 percent, ahead of Trzaskowski with 30.4 percent.

Now the Warsaw mayor is hoping to sway voters who backed other candidates in the first round.

Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy, said he will have to mobilise very disparate parts of the electorate against Duda, predicting the incumbent would therefore likely win, though by a narrow margin.

With analysts suggesting that strong voter mobilisation in rural Poland would give him the winning edge, Duda said he would "like to see the highest possible turnout" after voting in the southern city of Krakow.

Duda promises to defend highly popular social welfare payments introduced by the PiS government and has led a polarising campaign, attacking LGBT rights and ruling out certain Jewish wartime compensation claims.

Ahead of the vote, PiS Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro characterised it as "a clash of two visions of Poland, the white-red and rainbow-coloured," referring to the colours of Poland's national flag and the symbol most widely used by the LGBT community.

The PIS government has also lashed out at German-owned media outlets, accusing them of "bias" during the campaign after a tabloid owned by the Ringier Axel Springer Group published a story about Duda pardoning a paedophile.

Trzaskowski promises a very different Poland.

He has said he will roll back controversial PiS reforms of the judiciary that have triggered tension with the European Union.

He also supports allowing same-sex civil partnerships in Poland, although like Duda he opposes adoption by homosexual couples.

A Trzaskowski victory could begin to loosen the PiS's near-total grip on Polish politics.

A Duda win on the other hand would cement the party's power.

"This election will determine Poland's fate for the foreseeable future," said Adam Strzembosz, a former Supreme Court chief justice and respected legal authority.

"Will it be dominated and completely subservient to a certain political party, with all the consequences of power that is dictatorial in nature? Or will we manage to stop this?"

Poles voted on Sunday in a razor edge presidential run-off election between a populist incumbent allied with US President Donald Trump and a europhile liberal challenger, with experts saying the result will define the future of the country's young democracy.

Poles voted on Sunday in a razor edge presidential run-off election between a populist incumbent allied with US President Donald Trump and a europhile liberal challenger, with experts saying the result will define the future of the country's young democracy. Also read: Hungary imposes border checks, quarantine to prevent spread of coronavirus The stakes are high for Poland's right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party government, which has relied on incumbent President Andrzej Duda to endorse judicial reforms that have set Warsaw on a collision course with the EU over democratic standards just three decades after communism's demise. Duda was struggling to beat Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski of the opposition Civic Platform (PO) as final opinion polls showed the two running neck and neck. Wojciech, a 59-year-old builder who declined to give his surname, said he chose Duda because his close ties to Trump meant Poland "can count on the US for defence". He also said he "agrees completely" with Duda's promise to ban adoption for same-sex couples. Warsaw pensioners who identified themselves only as Helena and Maria, both in their eighties, said they picked the pro-European Trzaskowski hoping he could "get things back on the right track with the EU". "We remember too well how it was before (under communism), so for our grandchildren we want Poland to be stable in Europe," Helena told AFP. Turnout had hit a record high 52.10 percent by 1500 GMT, the state elections commission said, suggesting the coronavirus pandemic had not dampened participation. Long, snaking queues formed at polling stations as social distancing measures were used to stem infections. Voters also had to wear masks, use hand sanitiser and their own pens, plus give priority to pensioners, pregnant women and voters with children. The election had been due in May but was delayed because of the pandemic. Duda's support has slipped considerably since then, partly because of the virus fallout, which is pushing Poland into its first recession since communism fell. An exit poll is due when voting wraps up at 1900 GMT while official results are expected Monday morning. Experts warn that Sunday's result could be too close to call, possibly triggering legal challenges and protests. Duda won round one on June 28 with 43.5 percent, ahead of Trzaskowski with 30.4 percent. Now the Warsaw mayor is hoping to sway voters who backed other candidates in the first round. Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy, said he will have to mobilise very disparate parts of the electorate against Duda, predicting the incumbent would therefore likely win, though by a narrow margin. With analysts suggesting that strong voter mobilisation in rural Poland would give him the winning edge, Duda said he would "like to see the highest possible turnout" after voting in the southern city of Krakow. Duda promises to defend highly popular social welfare payments introduced by the PiS government and has led a polarising campaign, attacking LGBT rights and ruling out certain Jewish wartime compensation claims. Ahead of the vote, PiS Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro characterised it as "a clash of two visions of Poland, the white-red and rainbow-coloured," referring to the colours of Poland's national flag and the symbol most widely used by the LGBT community. The PIS government has also lashed out at German-owned media outlets, accusing them of "bias" during the campaign after a tabloid owned by the Ringier Axel Springer Group published a story about Duda pardoning a paedophile. Trzaskowski promises a very different Poland. He has said he will roll back controversial PiS reforms of the judiciary that have triggered tension with the European Union. He also supports allowing same-sex civil partnerships in Poland, although like Duda he opposes adoption by homosexual couples. A Trzaskowski victory could begin to loosen the PiS's near-total grip on Polish politics. A Duda win on the other hand would cement the party's power. "This election will determine Poland's fate for the foreseeable future," said Adam Strzembosz, a former Supreme Court chief justice and respected legal authority. "Will it be dominated and completely subservient to a certain political party, with all the consequences of power that is dictatorial in nature? Or will we manage to stop this?"

Divided Poland votes in close presidential run-off

Voting started Sunday in Poland's razor-blade-close presidential election runoff between the conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda and liberal, pro-European Union Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.

Duda is backed by the ruling right-wing party and the government, as he seeks a second 5-year term. Trzaskowski, a former European Parliament lawmaker, runs for the main opposition Civic Platform party. Both candidates are aged 48.

Latest polls showed that the race may be decided by a very small margin. Amid calls from both sides to some 30 million eligible voters to cast ballots, turnout is expected to be higher than the 64.51% in the first round on June 28. 
In the first round, Duda got 43.5% and Trzaskowski 30.5%.

Voting stations remain open until 9 pm (1900 GMT,) when exit polls will be released. The final official results are expected early in the week.

The outcome of the election will decide the shape of politics in deeply divided Poland at least until 2023, when parliamentary elections are scheduled.

If Duda is reelected, the right-wing Law and Justice party that backs him will continue to have a close ally in the president and maintain its hold on almost all key instruments of power in the country.

Trzaskowski's win would give him the power to veto laws passed by the ruling party. Poland's tone would also be softened on the international arena and especially with the EU.

The voting is held under strict sanitary conditions due to the still spreading coronavirus. Poland registered over 37,000 infections and almost 1,600 deaths.

Voters must wear masks and gloves, maintain a safe distance and use hand sanitiser. They can use their own pens to mark ballots. Election officials must wear masks too and sit wide apart from each other. Ballot boxes will be regularly disinfected and the polling stations will be ventilated.

Voting started Sunday in Poland's razor-blade-close presidential election runoff between the conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda and liberal, pro-European Union Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.

Voting started Sunday in Poland's razor-blade-close presidential election runoff between the conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda and liberal, pro-European Union Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski. Duda is backed by the ruling right-wing party and the government, as he seeks a second 5-year term. Trzaskowski, a former European Parliament lawmaker, runs for the main opposition Civic Platform party. Both candidates are aged 48. Latest polls showed that the race may be decided by a very small margin. Amid calls from both sides to some 30 million eligible voters to cast ballots, turnout is expected to be higher than the 64.51% in the first round on June 28. In the first round, Duda got 43.5% and Trzaskowski 30.5%. Voting stations remain open until 9 pm (1900 GMT,) when exit polls will be released. The final official results are expected early in the week. The outcome of the election will decide the shape of politics in deeply divided Poland at least until 2023, when parliamentary elections are scheduled. If Duda is reelected, the right-wing Law and Justice party that backs him will continue to have a close ally in the president and maintain its hold on almost all key instruments of power in the country. Trzaskowski's win would give him the power to veto laws passed by the ruling party. Poland's tone would also be softened on the international arena and especially with the EU. The voting is held under strict sanitary conditions due to the still spreading coronavirus. Poland registered over 37,000 infections and almost 1,600 deaths. Voters must wear masks and gloves, maintain a safe distance and use hand sanitiser. They can use their own pens to mark ballots. Election officials must wear masks too and sit wide apart from each other. Ballot boxes will be regularly disinfected and the polling stations will be ventilated.

Poland holds momentous, tight presidential election runoff

Polish President Andrzej Duda will be hoping for a pre-election windfall from a trip to Washington on Wednesday that risks being overshadowed by the fallout from revelations about Donald Trump's foreign policy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-obama-of-treason-for-spying-offers-no-evidence-308078" hreflang="en">Trump accuses Obama of 'treason' for 'spying', offers no evidence</a>

The visit from Duda -- a populist closely allied with Trump -- comes a day after the publication of former security advisor John Bolton's tell-all tome and four days before a crucial presidential election in Poland.

It will be Trump's first meeting with a foreign leader since the coronavirus pandemic hit in March, and both delegations will be tested for the disease before the talks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-increase-covid-19-testing-despite-trumps-claims-of-slowing-down-fauci-308082" hreflang="en">US will increase COVID-19 testing despite Trump's claims of slowing down: Fauci</a>

The central expectation on the Polish side is that Trump will announce extra US military assistance for Poland -- a constant demand from Warsaw, particularly in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The US could boost the number of its troops deployed in Poland as well as provide fighter jets and military transport planes, according to Polish media reports.

But a senior US official cautioned that it would be "premature" to talk about troop deployment in terms of "any specific number to any specific location".

"President Duda will have an opportunity to look very presidential and that's, I think, a big part of this," said Michal Baranowski, director of the Warsaw office of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Baranowski said the visit could help "mobilise" Duda's electorate in Sunday's vote and even help boost support for Trump among Polish American communities in swing states ahead of the US election in November.

The hastily arranged visit is expected to be accompanied by protests by gay rights campaigners against Duda, a right-winger who has railed against "LGBT ideology", comparing it to communism.

Duda, who is backed by the governing Law and Justice party, is the current frontrunner in the election but the centrist europhile opposition candidate Rafal Trzaskowski has been catching up in the polls.

Commentator Boguslaw Chrabota, writing in the Rzeczpospolita daily, said Duda was "desperately looking for a triumphant ending" to his campaign but the meeting with Trump carried "considerable risk".

Chrabota cited the risk in promising large amounts of Polish taxpayers' money to pay for US hardware.

In recent years, Poland has agreed to buy US rocket launchers, fighter jets and a Patriot anti-missile system and has closely aligned itself with Trump -- to the consternation of some of its EU and NATO partners.

Rzeczpospolita said there was also concern within the Law and Justice Party that Trump could "make an unpredictable move or comment" that could end up damaging Duda, whose eagerness to oblige Trump has been widely mocked by his opponents in Poland.

Poland will also have to tread carefully following Trump's announcement earlier this month of a large-scale withdrawal of US troops from Germany so as not to be seen to be taking advantage of a NATO ally.

A report in Poland's Dziennik Gazeta Prawna said that 30 US F-16 fighter jets currently based in Germany could be transferred to Poland.

The report also said the US could send up to 2,000 extra troops to Poland and transfer the command of the Fifth US Army Corps from Kentucky to Poland.

NATO promised Russia in 1997 not to set up permanent bases in the former eastern bloc. As tensions have grown however, the alliance has instead rotated troops through front-line countries.

Even though the US troops would still be rotated under any scenario, Polish officials have raised the prospect of a more permanent US presence -- perhaps in a facility paid for by Warsaw dubbed "Fort Trump".

Bolton's book "The Room Where It Happened", which Trump describes as "fiction", mentions one particular White House meeting in which Trump appeared to forget he had agreed in principle to a "Fort Trump".

"Do we really want Fort Trump?" he is quoted as saying.

Polish President Andrzej Duda will be hoping for a pre-election windfall from a trip to Washington on Wednesday that risks being overshadowed by the fallout from revelations about Donald Trump's foreign policy.

Polish President Andrzej Duda will be hoping for a pre-election windfall from a trip to Washington on Wednesday that risks being overshadowed by the fallout from revelations about Donald Trump's foreign policy. Also read: Trump accuses Obama of 'treason' for 'spying', offers no evidence The visit from Duda -- a populist closely allied with Trump -- comes a day after the publication of former security advisor John Bolton's tell-all tome and four days before a crucial presidential election in Poland. It will be Trump's first meeting with a foreign leader since the coronavirus pandemic hit in March, and both delegations will be tested for the disease before the talks. Also read: US will increase COVID-19 testing despite Trump's claims of slowing down: Fauci The central expectation on the Polish side is that Trump will announce extra US military assistance for Poland -- a constant demand from Warsaw, particularly in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. The US could boost the number of its troops deployed in Poland as well as provide fighter jets and military transport planes, according to Polish media reports. But a senior US official cautioned that it would be "premature" to talk about troop deployment in terms of "any specific number to any specific location". "President Duda will have an opportunity to look very presidential and that's, I think, a big part of this," said Michal Baranowski, director of the Warsaw office of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Baranowski said the visit could help "mobilise" Duda's electorate in Sunday's vote and even help boost support for Trump among Polish American communities in swing states ahead of the US election in November. The hastily arranged visit is expected to be accompanied by protests by gay rights campaigners against Duda, a right-winger who has railed against "LGBT ideology", comparing it to communism. Duda, who is backed by the governing Law and Justice party, is the current frontrunner in the election but the centrist europhile opposition candidate Rafal Trzaskowski has been catching up in the polls. Commentator Boguslaw Chrabota, writing in the Rzeczpospolita daily, said Duda was "desperately looking for a triumphant ending" to his campaign but the meeting with Trump carried "considerable risk". Chrabota cited the risk in promising large amounts of Polish taxpayers' money to pay for US hardware. In recent years, Poland has agreed to buy US rocket launchers, fighter jets and a Patriot anti-missile system and has closely aligned itself with Trump -- to the consternation of some of its EU and NATO partners. Rzeczpospolita said there was also concern within the Law and Justice Party that Trump could "make an unpredictable move or comment" that could end up damaging Duda, whose eagerness to oblige Trump has been widely mocked by his opponents in Poland. Poland will also have to tread carefully following Trump's announcement earlier this month of a large-scale withdrawal of US troops from Germany so as not to be seen to be taking advantage of a NATO ally. A report in Poland's Dziennik Gazeta Prawna said that 30 US F-16 fighter jets currently based in Germany could be transferred to Poland. The report also said the US could send up to 2,000 extra troops to Poland and transfer the command of the Fifth US Army Corps from Kentucky to Poland. NATO promised Russia in 1997 not to set up permanent bases in the former eastern bloc. As tensions have grown however, the alliance has instead rotated troops through front-line countries. Even though the US troops would still be rotated under any scenario, Polish officials have raised the prospect of a more permanent US presence -- perhaps in a facility paid for by Warsaw dubbed "Fort Trump". Bolton's book "The Room Where It Happened", which Trump describes as "fiction", mentions one particular White House meeting in which Trump appeared to forget he had agreed in principle to a "Fort Trump". "Do we really want Fort Trump?" he is quoted as saying.

Polish leader Andrzej Duda visits Donald Trump hoping for election boost

Poland's governing right-wing party is poised to win a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lgbt-community-under-fire-ahead-of-elections-in-poland-254446">general election on Sunday</a>, buoyed by generous social spending and fiery nationalist rhetoric, but its majority is at risk, giving opposition parties a narrow chance to snatch power.

In office since 2015 and led by ex-premier Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the Law and Justice (PiS) party has sought to mobilise mainly poorer rural voters by coupling family values with populist promises to extend benefits and hike the minimum wage.

Kaczynski, widely regarded as Poland's de facto leader, has led a highly polarising campaign, attacking sexual minorities and rejecting Western liberal values, all with the tacit blessing of Poland's influential Catholic church which holds sway over rural voters. &nbsp;

The Civic Coalition (KO), supported by outgoing EU Council President Donald Tusk -- Kaczynski's arch-rival -- has rallied mainly urban voters upset by the PiS's divisive politics, judicial reforms threatening the rule of law and high-profile graft scandals.&nbsp;

Railing against the PiS's anti-LGBT views and its close ties to the church, but sharing its welfare goals, left-wing parties are poised to return to parliament after a four-year hiatus.&nbsp;

Surveys also suggest two smaller groups could win seats, including the far-right.&nbsp;

"The electorate is split down the middle, with around 45 per cent each for the PiS and the centrist and leftist opposition," Anna Materska-Sosnowska, a Warsaw University political scientist, told AFP.

"Turnout will decide whether the PiS will govern alone, whether it will have to build a coalition, or even if it might lose its majority," she added.

'Promises kept'

The PiS has capitalised on a growing populist backlash against liberal urban elites, similar to trends in Western Europe and the US.&nbsp;

Its generous social programmes have sought to appeal to Poles who felt they reaped little gain from Poland's explosive growth after it shed communism in 1989.&nbsp;

"Our great social program has led to the fact that the sphere of poverty, often extreme misery... has been abolished," Kaczynski, 70, told supporters at a Warsaw rally this week, calling it "our moral achievement."

"PiS has done a great deal of good for families, pensioners, for children... they've kept their promises," Malgorzata Kowalska, 66, a retired orphanage employee told AFP as she left a Warsaw church.

But a recent study shows that while extreme poverty dropped slightly in 2016-17 to just over four per cent it rebounded to 5.4 per cent in 2018 as inflation rose. &nbsp;

Joanna, a 40-year-old stay-at-home mother raising three girls receives 1,500 zloty (350 euro, $380) per month in child benefits, She says the cash-in-hand won't sway her.

"Regardless of how much they'll give, I'll never vote for the PiS," said the formerly self-employed psychology graduate, slamming the party's "contempt for Poles who don't fit the stereotype of traditional Catholics."

'Clean up politics'

Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, the even-tempered 62-year-old deputy speaker of parliament chosen by the KO as its candidate for prime minister, has sought to provide a clear alternative to Kaczynski's polarising campaign.

"Let's clean up politics, free Poles from hatred, hypocrisy and political toxins," she told supporters in Warsaw this week.

The KO opposition has vowed to reverse controversial PiS judicial reforms which the EU says threaten judicial independence and the rule of law but has otherwise offered voters little.

According to Laurent Pech, a professor of European law at Middlesex University in the UK, threats to the rule of law in Poland are bound to "significantly worsen" should PiS return to power.

Kaczynski's plans for a "future 'reorganisation' of the courts are likely to mean a purge of the Polish judiciary under false pretences which will lead in turn to a renewed open conflict with the EU," he told AFP via email.

Most migrants

On the economic front, Poland has fared well with strong growth under the PiS, something critics attribute to favourable external factors.

Joblessness hit a 30-year record low of 5.1 per cent in September as employers struggled to find workers.&nbsp;

Despite the PiS's strident anti-migrant rhetoric in the campaign ahead of its stunning 2015 victory, Poland became the world's top temporary labour destination in 2017, surpassing even the US, according to the OECD.

Some 1.2 million temporary migrants arrived, mostly from Ukraine, to plug a massive labour gap created when Poles left for more lucrative work in the West after joining the EU in 2004.

Voting runs from 0500 to 1900 GMT on Sunday, with exit polls expected after the polls close and preliminary results due on Monday.

Poland's governing right-wing party is poised to win a general election on Sunday, buoyed by generous social spending and fiery nationalist rhetoric, but its majority is at risk, giving opposition parties a narrow chance to snatch power.

Poland's governing right-wing party is poised to win a general election on Sunday, buoyed by generous social spending and fiery nationalist rhetoric, but its majority is at risk, giving opposition parties a narrow chance to snatch power. In office since 2015 and led by ex-premier Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the Law and Justice (PiS) party has sought to mobilise mainly poorer rural voters by coupling family values with populist promises to extend benefits and hike the minimum wage. Kaczynski, widely regarded as Poland's de facto leader, has led a highly polarising campaign, attacking sexual minorities and rejecting Western liberal values, all with the tacit blessing of Poland's influential Catholic church which holds sway over rural voters. The Civic Coalition (KO), supported by outgoing EU Council President Donald Tusk -- Kaczynski's arch-rival -- has rallied mainly urban voters upset by the PiS's divisive politics, judicial reforms threatening the rule of law and high-profile graft scandals. Railing against the PiS's anti-LGBT views and its close ties to the church, but sharing its welfare goals, left-wing parties are poised to return to parliament after a four-year hiatus. Surveys also suggest two smaller groups could win seats, including the far-right. "The electorate is split down the middle, with around 45 per cent each for the PiS and the centrist and leftist opposition," Anna Materska-Sosnowska, a Warsaw University political scientist, told AFP. "Turnout will decide whether the PiS will govern alone, whether it will have to build a coalition, or even if it might lose its majority," she added. 'Promises kept' The PiS has capitalised on a growing populist backlash against liberal urban elites, similar to trends in Western Europe and the US. Its generous social programmes have sought to appeal to Poles who felt they reaped little gain from Poland's explosive growth after it shed communism in 1989. "Our great social program has led to the fact that the sphere of poverty, often extreme misery... has been abolished," Kaczynski, 70, told supporters at a Warsaw rally this week, calling it "our moral achievement." "PiS has done a great deal of good for families, pensioners, for children... they've kept their promises," Malgorzata Kowalska, 66, a retired orphanage employee told AFP as she left a Warsaw church. But a recent study shows that while extreme poverty dropped slightly in 2016-17 to just over four per cent it rebounded to 5.4 per cent in 2018 as inflation rose. Joanna, a 40-year-old stay-at-home mother raising three girls receives 1,500 zloty (350 euro, $380) per month in child benefits, She says the cash-in-hand won't sway her. "Regardless of how much they'll give, I'll never vote for the PiS," said the formerly self-employed psychology graduate, slamming the party's "contempt for Poles who don't fit the stereotype of traditional Catholics." 'Clean up politics' Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, the even-tempered 62-year-old deputy speaker of parliament chosen by the KO as its candidate for prime minister, has sought to provide a clear alternative to Kaczynski's polarising campaign. "Let's clean up politics, free Poles from hatred, hypocrisy and political toxins," she told supporters in Warsaw this week. The KO opposition has vowed to reverse controversial PiS judicial reforms which the EU says threaten judicial independence and the rule of law but has otherwise offered voters little. According to Laurent Pech, a professor of European law at Middlesex University in the UK, threats to the rule of law in Poland are bound to "significantly worsen" should PiS return to power. Kaczynski's plans for a "future 'reorganisation' of the courts are likely to mean a purge of the Polish judiciary under false pretences which will lead in turn to a renewed open conflict with the EU," he told AFP via email. Most migrants On the economic front, Poland has fared well with strong growth under the PiS, something critics attribute to favourable external factors. Joblessness hit a 30-year record low of 5.1 per cent in September as employers struggled to find workers. Despite the PiS's strident anti-migrant rhetoric in the campaign ahead of its stunning 2015 victory, Poland became the world's top temporary labour destination in 2017, surpassing even the US, according to the OECD. Some 1.2 million temporary migrants arrived, mostly from Ukraine, to plug a massive labour gap created when Poles left for more lucrative work in the West after joining the EU in 2004. Voting runs from 0500 to 1900 GMT on Sunday, with exit polls expected after the polls close and preliminary results due on Monday.

Poland's populists set for victory but majority at risk