Following an inconclusive outcome from last week’s Polish presidential elections, the two largest political groups in Poland, the conservative ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party fronted by incumbent President Andrzej Duda, and the liberal Civic Platform represented by Warsaw mayor, Rafal Trzakowski, will return to the fray in a second run-off election scheduled to hold July 12, 2020.
Election Results
Despite efforts from the ruling party to hold the elections in May as scheduled using a postal vote, an almost-election was cancelled last minute due to an abysmal turnout linked to the coronavirus pandemic which has affected over 30,000 citizens of the European country. Postponed to a letter date of June 14, 2020, the elections finally held with incumbent President Duda winning the most votes with 43.7% out of 99.78% of the ballots counted, while Rafał Trzaskowski came in second place with 30.3%.
Independent candidate Szymon Hołownia was in third place and the far-right nationalist Krzysztof Bosak placed fourth at the polls.
President Duda’s inability to secure 50% of the votes necessitated a run-off that will hopefully put an end to the race.
Duda and Trzaskowski React
Both candidates have reacted to the election results and upcoming runoff.
Speaking to supporters in a speech made after the release of an exit poll on Sunday, Duda remained optimistic, expressing hope for the upcoming poll to swing in his favour. He also pointed out a massive improvement stating that he received more votes in this first round than he did 5 years ago.
Meanwhile, Trzaskowki in his own speech called on other opposition parties and candidates to join forces with him in removing Duda from power. “This result shows one thing that is most important: over 58% of our society wants change. I want to say clearly to all these citizens – I will be your candidate. I will be the candidate of change,” he said.
In comparison to the last elections in 2015, turn out for this election was estimated at 63%, well up from 49% recorded five years ago in Poland.
