**Poland’s Presidential Run-off Elections Too Close to Call**
The highly anticipated run-off elections in Poland have ended on June 1, with exit polls showing a neck-and-neck contest between liberal candidate Rafal Trzaskowski and nationalist rival Karol Nawrocki. The results of the exit polls were contradictory, with early polls suggesting Trzaskowski was leading by a narrow margin, only to be flipped in favor of Nawrocki later on.
Trzaskowski, who served as Warsaw Mayor, was the first to declare victory after an initial exit poll showed him securing a narrow win. The Ipsos exit poll for TVN, TVP, and Polsat broadcasters revealed Trzaskowski, representing the ruling centrists Civic Coalition (KO), won 50.3% of ballots, while his rival Nawrocki, a conservative historian backed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, garnered 49.7% of the vote.
However, subsequent polls showed a different story, with Nawrocki narrowly leading with 50.7%. Speaking to his supporters, Nawrocki also claimed victory, saying, “I will bring people together, I will be constructive, I will be a president for all Poles. I will be your president.” Official election results are expected on June 2.
**The Significance of the Election**
While Poland’s parliamentary system renders the president’s authority largely ceremonial, the president still holds significant power in shaping foreign policy and serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. This election has been seen as a pivotal moment in Poland’s political trajectory, particularly with regards to its approach towards Ukraine.
The two candidates diverged on Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, with Trzaskowski supporting Ukraine’s accession to the alliance while Nawrocki opposed it due to his pro-Russian views. Although both candidates agreed on increasing defense spending and supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, their differing stances highlighted deep divides in Polish politics and society.
**Russian Disinformation Campaigns**
The presidential election was also marred by Russian disinformation campaigns targeting Ukrainian refugees. The candidates’ positions on social issues further exposed the divisions within Polish society.
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