Hello friends, welcome to the weekly election round-up. A day late this time because of a Palestine-related debacle. (Man, it's always Israel and Palestine). But first, the results from last week:

1. Left and Democrats – 42,9% – 6 votes – 196 seats.
2. Civic Platform – 35,7% – 5 votes – 165 seats.
3. Polish People's Party – 21,4% – 3 votes – 99 seats.

None of the parties won more than the 230 seats needed to form a government. The PSL got a record result this week and will decide who's going to rule Poland. I think they would prefer the PO to the left. A PO-PSL coalition is actually the historic outcome of this election. (Although PiS was the main opposition party). I don't know who the prime minister would be, since Donald Tusk, who was the prime minister in real life at the time, is the president.

He would probably run for re-election, but I like to keep the candidates historically accurate, so Komorowski will be the PO candidate this week. Enough of the commentary, let's get straight to the rules.

Debate and discussion in the comments is highly encouraged. Voting from the perspective of not knowing "the future" (2024 hindsight) is also welcome, but it's understandable that hindsight may enter into some of the discussion. Whether candidates are considered "major" enough to be included in the poll will be largely at my discretion, and will depend on things like whether they actually end up garnering a meaningful amount of votes. If no candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, I'll hold a second round.

I will post one episode every Friday afternoon in my country.

The following two sections have been written by ChatGPT.

Situation during and before the campaign

Poland in 2010 is navigating a complex political and social landscape, marked by deep divisions between conservative nationalism and pro-European liberalism. The tragic Smolensk plane crash in April, which claimed the life of President Lech Kaczyński along with many key Polish officials, has cast a long shadow over the country. This event shook the nation to its core and set the stage for an emotionally charged presidential election. The fallout from the crash has galvanized national debate on everything from foreign relations with Russia to the future of Poland’s democracy and identity.

The Polish economy is faring well compared to much of Europe, but there are persistent concerns about unemployment and income inequality, particularly in rural areas. Poland’s position within the European Union continues to be a defining issue, with a clear divide between those who favor deeper integration and modernization and those who push back against perceived erosion of Polish sovereignty and traditional values. With the presidency now vacant, this election serves as a referendum on Poland’s direction: will it continue to follow a path of conservative nationalism, or pivot towards more liberal, pro-European governance?

The Major Candidates

Bronisław Komorowski is the acting president and candidate from the Civic Platform (PO), a centrist, pro-European party. Komorowski, a 58-year-old historian and former defense minister, stepped into the presidential role following Lech Kaczyński’s death as Marshal of the Sejm. He presents himself as a steady, moderate leader who will continue the policies of his party, focusing on economic modernization, greater integration with the European Union, and preserving democratic institutions. Civic Platform has been at the forefront of Poland’s pro-EU, liberal reform movement, and Komorowski’s candidacy appeals to urban, progressive voters who support open markets and social freedoms. His leadership style is pragmatic, and he represents stability in a moment of national mourning.

Jarosław Kaczyński, the twin brother of the late Lech Kaczyński and leader of the conservative Law and Justice Party (PiS), has entered the race in the wake of his brother's death. At 61 years old, Jarosław is a veteran politician with a deep well of support among conservative, rural, and nationalist voters. His candidacy is infused with a sense of personal mission to continue his brother’s legacy, emphasizing Polish sovereignty, traditional Catholic values, and skepticism of deeper European integration. Kaczyński's platform focuses on restoring Poland’s moral and cultural identity, pushing back against liberalism, and strengthening the state’s role in economic management. The tragedy of the Smolensk crash has amplified his rhetoric, and he frames this election as a choice between defending Poland’s independence and submitting to foreign influence.

Grzegorz Napieralski of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) represents Poland’s left-wing constituency. Napieralski, 36 years old and relatively young in the Polish political landscape, advocates for social democracy, including stronger welfare programs, workers' rights, and progressive policies. SLD has historically represented the post-communist left, though its influence has waned since the early 2000s. Napieralski aims to bring the party back to relevance, appealing to voters who are disillusioned with both the conservative nationalism of PiS and the economic liberalism of PO. His base consists of urban, working-class voters and those who remain nostalgic for the social safety net of Poland’s communist past.

Vote here*:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNxqinBtmoqcKIpqSw0__EI5rodItW61APANhpJQIF6VEL5g/viewform?usp=sf_link

\All results counted as of the next post made*