16/04/2025 Election observation
A five-member delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), led by Iulian Bulai (Romania, ALDE), concluded a two-day pre-election visit to Warsaw ahead of the presidential elections scheduled for 18 May 2025.
The delegation acknowledged significant positive developments since the parliamentary elections in 2023, notably the expectation of a professionally administered electoral process, active engagement from civil society — including extensive domestic observation — and increased public scrutiny, demonstrating robust democratic engagement. However, the mission also noted a degree of voter fatigue, as this election concludes an intensive cycle of four consecutive electoral contests.
Despite these encouraging developments, several challenges remain. Political polarisation continues to impede essential electoral reforms, notably concerning judicial independence, transparency in campaign financing, and impartial media coverage. The delegation particularly highlighted concerns over the politicised composition of election administration bodies and questioned judicial institutions' capacity to impartially manage electoral disputes, both inherited from the previous government.
Further concerns include intense and divisive campaign rhetoric, inadequate oversight of campaign financing, and the potential for biased reporting by public broadcasters. Additionally, interlocutors underscored the challenges of potential cyber attacks and possible foreign interference, emphasising the necessity of continued vigilance against hybrid threats that could affect the electoral process.
While welcoming the planned opening of over 500 polling stations worldwide to facilitate out of country voting, concerns were raised about delays in the reintroduction of postal voting, which might disenfranche some members of the electorate.
Transparency in campaign financing emerged as another area requiring attention. Many interlocutors voiced concerns about inadequate oversight mechanisms and unresolved issues regarding public funding allocation for campaigns. The lack of interim reporting prior to election day and limited regulation of third-party campaigning were identified as gaps that could hinder accountability and transparency.
The media environment also reflects broader political polarisation. Interlocutors emphasised ongoing reforms aimed at protecting editorial independence and promoting media pluralism but noted that public broadcasters remain under scrutiny for potential bias in their reporting. While provisions exist for debates among presidential candidates and free airtime for campaign spots, systematic monitoring of media compliance with electoral obligations is lacking, which could affect balanced coverage during the campaign period.
The PACE delegation underscored that a transparent and inclusive electoral process is essential for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions. It called on all stakeholders to address these concerns proactively and ensure that Polish citizens can exercise their democratic rights freely and fairly during this pivotal election.
The cross-party delegation met with high-ranking state officials, members of the judiciary, electoral authorities, representatives of political parties, civil society organisations and independent media monitors to thoroughly assess the electoral environment and broader political climate.
A full PACE observation mission will return to Poland in mid-May to monitor developments on election day and beyond.
PACE – which represents parliamentarians from 46 European nations – is observing elections in Poland with a full-scale delegation for the second time since the Parliamentary Assembly decided to open a procedure in January 2020 to monitor Poland’s honouring of its statutory obligations in respect of the Council of Europe.
*Composition of the delegation: Iulian Bulai (Romania, ALDE), Head of Delegation, Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska, (North Macedonia, SOC), Joseph O’Reilly (Ireland, EPP/CD), Elisabetta Gardini, (Italy, ECPA), Laura Castel, (Spain, UEL).