Poland Presidential Runoff Exit Polls Show Near Tie

Poland's presidential runoff election resulted in an extremely tight race between liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki, with exit polls showing Trzaskowski narrowly ahead at around 50.3% versus Nawrocki's 49.7%, though the margin of error leaves the outcome uncertain. Both candidates claimed victory on election night, reflecting the deep political and social divisions within Poland. The election will significantly influence Poland's future direction, determining whether the country embraces a nationalist path aligned with conservative values or strengthens its commitment to liberal democratic norms and closer ties with the European Union. Trzaskowski, a pro-EU politician, represents a pivot toward liberalism, while Nawrocki, backed by the right-wing Law and Justice party and aligned with U.S. conservatives, signals a nationalist trajectory. The final official results were expected the following day, with the nation awaiting clarity amid a tense political atmosphere. This election also marks a critical transition as incumbent President Andrzej Duda concludes his term.