On May 18, 2025, Poland stepped into a significant political moment as it held the first round of its presidential election. This election is not only a test of the nation's political pulse but also a reflection of the diverse issues that have been shaping the country in recent times.
Voting Process Unfolds
The day began with polls opening at 7:00 am local time (5:00 GMT). Approximately 29 million eligible voters across the nation, along with those at overseas polling stations, were given the opportunity to cast their ballots. There were over 32,000 polling stations set up within Poland's borders, complemented by 511 polling sub - districts abroad. The voting process was straightforward yet crucial. Polish citizens, 18 years or older, were tasked with selecting a single candidate from a list of 13 registered presidential hopefuls. The election follows a specific criterion - if a candidate secures at least 50 percent of the vote, they emerge victorious. However, if no candidate reaches this threshold, the country will head to a second round on June 1, where the two top - performing candidates from the first round will compete. Polls closed at 9:00 pm (19:00 GMT), after which the anticipation for results began to build.
Candidates in the Spotlight
The 13 - candidate field presented a wide range of political ideologies and backgrounds. Among the frontrunners were Rafal Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw. An ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Trzaskowski has been a prominent figure in the political landscape. His tenure as the mayor of Warsaw has seen investments in infrastructure and culture, and he now aims to bring his vision to the national stage. He advocates for increasing defence spending to 5 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and strengthening Poland's position within the European Union. Another significant candidate is Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian running as an independent but backed by the main opposition Law and Justice Party (PiS). Nawrocki's candidacy represents the conservative and nationalist sentiment within the country, and his potential victory could have implications for the current government's agenda.
Key Issues Driving the Election
This election is being dominated by a plethora of key issues. The Russia - Ukraine war looms large over Poland. Since the war's outbreak in 2022, Poland has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, welcoming over a million refugees. However, recent times have seen tensions rise, with Polish farmers protesting against the influx of cheap Ukrainian agricultural products. There are also concerns about a potential spillover of the conflict into Polish territory, especially after reports of Russian intelligence - orchestrated incidents.
Immigration, particularly the treatment of Ukrainian refugees, has become a divisive topic. There are reports of discrimination and resentment towards the welfare provided to them. Abortion rights remain a highly debated issue in Poland, which has some of the strictest abortion laws in Europe. The economy is also at the forefront, with voters worried about taxes, housing costs, and the state of public transport. LGBTQ rights are another point of contention, with a split in public opinion on whether these rights should be restricted or expanded. Additionally, Poland's relationship with the European Union is a topic of much discussion, with different political camps having varying views on the level of integration.
What's Next?
As soon as the polls closed, Ipsos, a leading polling agency, was set to release an exit poll based on surveys at 500 randomly selected polling stations. Although this is not the official result, it often provides strong indications of the overall voting trends. Partial results may start to emerge on the night of May 18 or on May 19. The outcome of this first round will set the stage for the second round on June 1, if needed. The results will not only determine the next president of Poland but also have far - reaching implications for the country's domestic and foreign policies, as well as its social and economic future. Stay tuned as we continue to monitor and report on the developments of Poland's 2025 presidential election.
