The National Electoral Commission (PKW) has sent an official letter to the Internal Security Agency (ABW), concerning the illegal conduct and financing of election campaigning on social media platforms and online advertisements, according to information obtained by the portal Niezależna.pl. The spokesman for the National Electoral Office confirmed this information.
Last Friday, Sylwester Marciniak, chairman of the PKW, was questioned by Niezależna.pl during a press conference before the second round of the presidential elections, regarding the commission’s actions related to reports of illegal campaign financing that violates electoral laws.
“From media reports, as well as from official statements, we received information from NASK (Research and Academic Computer Network), and we are addressing the Internal Security Agency about various internet activities that might potentially disrupt the election process,” judge Marciniak initially replied.
However, his evasive answer required further clarification.
“There is an ongoing discussion within the National Electoral Commission. Members are debating issues related to conducting and financing election campaigns on social media and the broadcasting of campaign ads. There is the question of approaching relevant authorities and possibly submitting reports,” Marciniak explained.
He admitted to possessing extensive documentation containing questions addressed to ABW and NASK. When asked if there was any response yet, he replied negatively.
PKW’s Response and OSCE’s Concerns
On Thursday, Niezależna.pl sent further questions to the National Electoral Office spokesman, who confirmed that the PKW had indeed sent a formal inquiry to ABW expressing their concerns.
A hostile campaign targeting Rafał Trzaskowski’s opponents was widely covered by the media even before the first round of elections. These illegal activities sparked international reactions, including calls from American politicians urging EU institutions to act.
The issue was also raised in a report by the OSCE, which observed the elections. The OSCE expressed concerns over actions undertaken by NASK involving political advertisements on Facebook with “unclear sources of origin and financing.” According to observers, these ads promoted Rafał Trzaskowski and targeted Karol Nawrocki and Sławomir Mentzen.
Observers noted that NASK’s handling of the issue had raised “concerns,” describing public communication as “delayed, inconsistent, and lacking transparency.”