Conservative candidate Karol Nawrocki has emerged victorious in Poland’s presidential run-off election, according to media reports citing the final vote count.
Nawrocki secured 50.89 percent of the vote, narrowly defeating liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who garnered 49.11 percent.
The Associated Press, citing official figures, confirmed the tight race on Monday, with the Polish Electoral Commission announcing that all votes had been counted.
The commission also stated that the official results would be published on Monday morning.
Nawrocki, 42, a historian and former head of the National Remembrance Institute, campaigned on a platform focused on prioritising economic and social policies for Polish citizens, including a cautious stance on accepting refugees from neighbouring Ukraine. His eurosceptic and conservative views resonated with a significant portion of the electorate amid rising concerns about national identity and sovereignty.
Though Poland’s parliament holds the bulk of legislative power, the presidency remains influential through its authority to veto legislation.
The election drew close international attention, particularly from Ukraine and Russia, given Poland’s geopolitical significance, as well as from the United States and European Union member states.
