Leader of the Civic Coalition Donald Tusk celebrates exit polls showing he could form the next government ahead of the far-right Law and Justice Party [Getty]

National Turnout Surpasses Post-Communist Record as Ruling Party’s Eight-Year Rule Ends

By Smartencyclopedia with agencies

Partial results from Poland’s landmark parliamentary election indicate that the pro-European Union opposition is on course to secure a parliamentary majority, bringing an end to eight years of nationalist rule by the Law and Justice (PiS) party. During this period, Poland’s relations with the European Union, and more recently with war-torn Ukraine, have significantly deteriorated.

The opposition, led by former EU chief Donald Tusk, had framed the parliamentary elections as a “last chance” to safeguard democracy in the nation.

Donald Tusk, exuding optimism, announced, “This is the end of grim times” in the late hours of Sunday, capturing the sentiment of many who sought a change.

With over 80 percent of votes counted, the PiS party led but fell short of a majority with 37 percent of the vote. In contrast, Tusk’s Civic Coalition, Third Way, and Left parties, together, garnered 52 percent of the vote.

A victory for the liberal opposition would signify a significant political shift in Poland, diverging from the PiS party’s nationalist and hardline Catholic vision for the country.

The election campaign was dominated by critical issues such as Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine, immigration, and women’s rights.

For many voters, including Aleksandra Metlewicz, an interior designer, women’s rights played a crucial role in their choice. She expressed the hope that Poland would escape the confines of what she referred to as the “Middle Ages.”

In the capital city, Warsaw, where support for nationalists has traditionally been lower, the predicted election outcome heralded substantial changes. 20-year-old student Natalia Szydlik expressed optimism about the potential liberalization of Poland’s strict abortion laws and her “big hopes that things will change.”

As the final results continue to be tallied, prominent politicians from both the ruling party and the opposition remained mostly silent on Monday. The official results are anticipated to be announced on Tuesday.

The projected parliamentary majority, with a total of 249 seats, underscores the resounding mandate for change despite the ruling PiS party’s extensive campaign efforts. These included leveraging state resources, control of state television, and portraying Donald Tusk as a corrupt figure.