OSCE about elections in Poland: an efficient process, but serious reservations about campaign and financing

Foreign observers from the organization of security and cooperation in Europe (OSCE) informed on Monday that the second round of presidential elections in Poland was conducted in a professional and efficient manner. However, they drew attention to strong social and media polarization and the issue of campaign financing.

The joint observation mission of the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights OSCE (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (ZPRE) stated in the issued statement that, like in the first round of elections, freedom of speech, association and peaceful gathering was observed before the second round of presidential elections. It was also found that the election was held “professionally and efficiently”.

Observers noticed that the election campaign became more and more confrontational, because “both candidates competed for the voices of a divided and ideologically crushed electorate.” The report pointed out that the use of incitement and intolerant messages clearly dropped before the second round.

The head of the ODIHR observation mission Dunja Mijatović emphasized that the campaign revealed “the depth of Polish political polarization and social divisions”, which is why – in her opinion – Polish society needs an inclusive dialogue. “Political leaders now have to further strengthen the credibility and accountability of Polish democratic institutions for the good of all citizens. True democracy should not be a game of zero, it is a common responsibility,” Mijatović added.

The statement also pointed out that although the authorities took action on the protection of the election process against foreign disinformation, according to observers – these efforts were not sufficiently coordinated, and public transport on the subject of actions taken was contradictory.

The head of the ZPre Iulian Bulai delegation assessed that the high election attendance in the second round of elections, “reflects the strong involvement of Polish citizens in the strength and quality of their democracy.” He also noted that the voters stood before the choice of real alternatives and thus were able to make informed decisions, despite the fact that the media landscape was “strongly polarized”.

According to observers, the provisions regarding the financing of the election campaign, which in their opinion are insufficient, are controversial, which enabled the involvement of third parties, reducing the accounting and integrity of the election process.

The report also indicates that the media in Poland is strongly polarized, and the message in “most media” – including the public sender – limited access to impartial information. It was added that the only television debate between two candidates before the second round “was characterized by a lack of any effective moderation”, which allowed it to be used as a platform for mutual accusations, and not as a sensible comparison of political programs.

At the same time – as emphasized – there were still concerns about the lack of independence of the Supreme Court Chamber, established in 2018, which is responsible for approving the results of the election, reduced the trust of society to the judiciary.

42 observers from 24 countries took part in the international observation of presidential elections in Poland, including 34 ODIHR experts and long -term observers, as well as 8 parliamentarians and ZPRE employees.

The Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights OSCE (ODIHR) is based in Warsaw.

On Monday morning, the electoral commission announced the official results of Sunday voting in the presidential election. Supported by PiS Karol Nawrocki obtained 10 million 606 thousand. 877 votes (50.89 percent), and KO candidate Rafał Trzaskowski 10 million 237 thousand 286 votes (49.11 percent). (PAP)

Pab/ Par/