Speaker of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia, present announced the decision to order elections of the president of the Republic of Poland. This decision is crucial for maintaining the continuity of state power and adherence to constitutional electoral deadlines.
The presidential elections in Poland must take place within a certain timeframe before the end of the word of office of the President. However, due to the introduction of a natural disaster in the fall of 2024, doubts arose as to the anticipation of ordering elections at standard time. In accordance with Article 228(7) of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, elections may not be held or managed within 90 days of the end of the emergency situation. The state of the natural disaster was abolished on 16 October 2024, meaning that the elections could not be ordered until 14 January 2025.
Position of the State Election Commission
In view of the above doubts, the Marshal of the Sejm asked the State Election Commission (PCP) for an opinion on the matter. PKW confirmed that the decree of the presidential election before 14 January 2025 would be incompatible with the Constitution. In consequence to this position, Marshal Holovnia had previously announced that the formal election order would take place on 15 January to avoid any legal doubt.
Key electoral calendar dates:
- Until March 24, 2025: Notification of the establishment of an election committee to the State Election Commission.
- Until March 31, 2025: Establishment of territory electoral commissions.
- By 4 April 2025, 4:00 p.m.: The deadline for submitting candidates for president of the Republic of Poland. Candidates must submit at least 100,000 signatures of support.
- May 18, 2025: First circular of presidential elections.
- June 1, 2025: Second circular of presidential elections (if necessary).
