Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Polish Presidential election

Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian and former head of the Institute of National Remembrance, has been elected President of Poland after narrowly defeating Civic Platform's Rafał Trzaskowski in a closely contested runoff vote, according to official results published by the National Electoral Commission on Monday. 

With 100% of polling stations reporting, Nawrocki secured 50.89% of the vote, while Trzaskowski, the Mayor of Warsaw and candidate backed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s Civic Platform party, garnered 49.11%.

Voter turnout in Sunday’s second round was reported at 71.6%, reflecting strong public engagement in one of the most competitive presidential races in recent Polish history.

The runoff was held after none of the 13 candidates in the first round on 18 May managed to secure an outright majority. Trzaskowski led the initial vote with 31.36%, followed closely by Nawrocki, who received 29.54%.

The President of Poland holds significant powers in areas such as foreign policy, defense, and legislation, with the ability to veto parliamentary bills.