A report has been released by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) concerning the organization of the second round of the presidential elections in Poland. It noted that there was significant social and media polarization in the country. Attention was also drawn to issues related to campaign financing.
Observers concluded that the Polish campaign became increasingly confrontational, as “both candidates competed for the support of a divided and ideologically fragmented electorate.” The head of the ODIHR observation mission, Dunja Mijatović, stated that the campaign revealed “the depth of Poland’s political polarization and social divisions,” and that, in her view, Polish society needs an inclusive dialogue.
Controversies Surrounding Campaign Financing and Foreign Disinformation
The communiqué also states that although the authorities took steps to protect the electoral process from foreign disinformation, the observers found these efforts to be insufficiently coordinated, and public communication regarding the actions taken was inconsistent.
Observers also noted that the regulations concerning campaign financing are controversial. According to them, the existing provisions are inadequate, which enabled the involvement of third parties, thereby reducing accountability and undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
Public Media Under Fire
The report also criticizes the media, especially public broadcasters. It was noted that the messaging “(…) limited access to impartial information.” The debate was also criticized for not being effectively moderated, which allowed it to be used as a platform for mutual accusations.
The OSCE report and the irregularities it presents are extensively covered by journalist Anna Wittenberg of Dziennik Gazeta Prawna.