Polish Opposition Claims Victory in Election, Ending Law and Justice Rule
Poland is on the verge of a new era as the country prepares to bid farewell to the ruling populist party, Law and Justice. The opposition parties have emerged victorious in Sunday’s election, garnering enough votes to remove the incumbent party from power. This election marks a turning point for Poland, with voters mobilizing in unprecedented numbers, surpassing even the historic election that overthrew the communist authorities in 1989.
According to the Ipsos exit poll, Law and Justice secured the most seats with 200, but it fell short of the numbers needed to form a government and pass legislation. On the other hand, the combined strength of three opposition parties, namely the Civic Coalition led by former prime minister Donald Tusk, Third Way, and the New Left, is believed to have won 248 seats in the 460-seat lower house of parliament, known as the Sejm.
Donald Tusk, the leader of the Civic Coalition, addressed his jubilant supporters, stating, I have been a politician for many years. I’m an athlete. Never in my life have I been so happy about taking seemingly second place. Poland won. Democracy has won. We have removed them from power. Tusk added that this election result marks the end of the bad time and Law and Justice’s rule.
While Law and Justice leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski acknowledged his party’s uncertain outcome, he emphasized that securing nearly 37% of the vote was a success, making it the first party to win the most votes in three consecutive parliamentary elections. However, he also recognized the possibility of losing power, stating, We must have hope and we must also know that regardless of whether we are in power or in the opposition, we will implement this (political) project in various ways and we will not allow Poland to be betrayed.
As the single party with the most seats, Law and Justice will have the first opportunity to form a government. President Andrzej Duda, who is aligned with Law and Justice, will be responsible for choosing a party to undertake this task. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki expressed that Duda would entrust the mission of forming the government to the winning party, and efforts would be made to build a parliamentary majority.
The opposition parties contested the elections separately but with a common goal of ousting Law and Justice and reestablishing favorable relations with the European Union. Leaders from the different opposition parties expressed their commitment to working together to create a democratic and strong government.
While the final election results are yet to be confirmed, the declining support for Law and Justice indicates a sharp defeat for the ruling party. Over the years, Law and Justice has faced criticism for eroding checks and balances, consolidating control over state institutions, and introducing divisive policies without seeking consensus.
The election outcome carries significant implications for Poland’s constitutional order, LGBTQ+ rights, abortion laws, and its foreign alliances, particularly its alliance with Ukraine. Poland has been a crucial ally to Ukraine in the face of Russia’s aggression. The Confederation party, running on an anti-Ukraine platform, performed poorly in the elections, bringing relief to Kyiv.
With more than 29 million eligible voters, the turnout in this election is expected to surpass the historic 63% participation rate during the 1989 elections. The significance of this vote has been widely recognized, with many viewing it as the most crucial since the birth of Poland’s democracy.
If the election results hold, this political shift could pave the way for the European Union to release billions of euros in funding that had previously been withheld due to concerns over democratic erosion. The nation’s economic structures, social spending policies, and state ownership in the economy are among the factors that will be closely watched under the new government.
As the state electoral commission continues to count the votes, final results are anticipated by Tuesday morning. Poland braces for a new chapter as the opposition parties prepare to lead the country into a future shaped by their promises and visions for the nation.
