A recent poll indicates the conservative candidate is slightly ahead of the centrist Mayor of Warsaw, Rafal Trzaskowski.
A late poll suggests that conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki holds a marginal lead in the Polish presidential election’s second round.
The Ipsos poll gives Nawrocki 50.7% of the vote, compared to 49.3% for Warsaw’s centrist Mayor, Rafal Trzaskowski. This contrasts with an earlier exit poll that showed Trzaskowski with a slight advantage.
Voter turnout was high at 72.8%. Trzaskowski performed strongly in major cities, while Nawrocki’s support was greater in rural areas and among older voters.
Trzaskowski is a prominent figure in Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition (KO). His campaign focused on closer ties with the EU, judicial reform, relaxed abortion laws, and civil partnerships for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Nawrocki, supported by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, campaigned on Catholic values, increased national sovereignty, and a revised relationship between Poland and the EU.
Both candidates committed to increasing defense spending, echoing calls from US President Donald Trump for greater European contributions to NATO. They also both support continued aid to Ukraine. However, Trzaskowski supports Ukraine’s NATO membership as vital for Poland’s security. Nawrocki has expressed reluctance, suggesting it could involve NATO in a conflict with Russia.
“Poland needs a president who will defend the constitution and our values,” said Nawrocki during his final campaign appearance. Trzaskowski told his supporters he wants “a modern European Poland that protects freedoms and the rule of law.”
Official results are expected on Monday, when the National Electoral Commission releases the final vote count.
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