Estimated reading time: 1 minute
In Poland, parliamentary elections are conducted in a multi-member district system. With 460 seats in the Sejm, Poland’s lower house of parliament, representation is determined proportionally. However, to participate in seat allocation, political parties must secure at least 5% of the national vote or, in the case of coalitions, 8%. Elections adhere to constitutional principles, ensuring universality, equality, directness, and secrecy of the vote.
Poland is divided into 41 constituencies of varying sizes. From Częstochowa, the smallest with seven seats, to Warsaw, the largest with 20 seats, the number of seats allocated depends on the population of the district.
Proportional Allocation
The d’Hondt method is employed for seat allocation, dividing the valid votes for each party list by 1, 2, 3, and so on until the available seats are filled. The list with the highest quotients wins the election, with candidates placed in order of votes received.
The Polish parliamentary election system strives for proportional representation, ensuring that the voices of various political groups are heard in the Sejm. It’s a democratic process designed to reflect the diverse opinions of the Polish electorate.