The first circular of presidential elections in Poland was conducted professionally and gave citizens a real political choice - the OSCE informed. However, the observers besides raised reservations about mainly the electoral campaign. These include, among others, a deep polarisation of society and serious problems with respect for democratic standards.
A joint reflection mission of the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for safety and Cooperation in Europe (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (ZPRE) stressed that, despite the applicable legal framework, many erstwhile recommendations on the transparency of the electoral process in Poland stay unfulfilled.
The independency of the courts, including the Chamber liable for approving the results of the elections, was of peculiar concern, which, according to observers, may undermine citizens' assurance in the institutions of the state.
Presidential election 2025. Observers have reservations
- I'm sorry. The election run showed Poland's strength as a dynamic democracy, but in order to strengthen it, deep political divisions request to be filled with dialog that will combine different environments and views - assessed Dunja Mijatović, head of the ODIHR reflection mission. However, she besides spared no critical words.
- I'm sorry. The messages of any candidates, aimed at migrants, the LGBTI community and cultural and spiritual groups - peculiarly xenophobic and anti-Ukrainian accents - have caused concern.
SEE: Tens of thousands of invalid votes. PKW indicates errors
Observers pointed out that the rhetoric of the run was confrontational and sometimes even aggressive. In the media and at rallies, there were openly intolerant content to LGBTI and refugees from Ukraine, which they thought could deepen social divisions and build an atmosphere of distrust.
The study besides stated that the polarisation of the public was not only seen in the speech of debates, but besides in the way the media operates, which, as noted, stay powerfully polarized and frequently do not supply voters with reliable, impartial information.
Presidential election 2025. "This is simply a key minute for Poland"
The study besides highlighted that the election day ran smoothly and the organisation of the voting process was professional, although in many places the full secrecy of the vote was not guaranteed. The reservations were besides raised by the engagement of public officials in the run – the boundary between authoritative duties and political agitation was frequently under-stressed, in the opinion of the OSCE.
It besides highlighted the low participation of women in political life, showing only 2 candidates among 13 people seeking the office of head of state.
SEE: Foreign media about elections in Poland. "Referendum on Europeanism"
- I'm sorry. This is simply a crucial minute for Poland - time to strengthen transparency, respect for democratic standards and rebuild citizens' assurance in state institutions - concluded Liliana Tanguy, acting as head of the ZPRE delegation.
67 experts from 30 countries took part in the reflection mission, including 34 long-term observers and 33 representatives of the ZPRE.
The Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the OSCE (ODIHR) is based in Warsaw.
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