Election silence is currently in force and will remain in effect until the end of voting in the second round of the presidential election on Sunday. During this period, it is strictly prohibited to publish polls or campaign for any candidate – including online. Violations can result in fines. Voting in the second round will take place on Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The election silence began 24 hours before polling day – at midnight from Friday to Saturday – and will last until voting concludes. Unless any polling station extends its hours, the silence will end at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Election silence prohibits all forms of active campaigning – that is, publicly urging or encouraging people to vote in a specific way. During this time, gatherings, parades, rallies, speeches, and the distribution of campaign materials are banned. Citizens may still be encouraged to participate in the election, as long as the message does not favor a particular candidate.
Posters displayed prior to the start of election silence do not need to be taken down. However, driving around in vehicles covered with campaign posters is not allowed – although stationary vehicles are permitted. Campaigning is also banned online, as well as within polling stations, including the display of symbols, images, signs, or slogans associated with candidates or their committees.
Publishing election polls during the silence period is also strictly forbidden. The penalty for breaking this rule is a fine ranging from PLN 500,000 to PLN 1 million. This applies to pre-election polls on voter preferences or predicted results, as well as exit polls conducted on election day.
The National Electoral Commission (PKW) emphasizes that only law enforcement agencies and courts have the authority to determine whether a given act constitutes a breach of election silence. Any voter who believes that the rules have been violated should report it directly to the police.