Polish ruling party proposes “pro-democratic” changes to electoral code but opposition cries foul

Dec 23, 2022 | Politics

Poland’s ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has submitted draft amendments to the electoral code that would, among other things, increase the number of polling stations, change the way that votes are counted, and provide free transport to polling stations for people aged over 60.

PiS argues that changes are needed to make the electoral process more democratic. But the opposition says the aim is to boost turnout among groups traditionally supportive of the ruling party, which is more popular in rural areas and among older voters.

Parliamentarey elections will be held next autumn at which PiS is bidding for an unprecedented third time in office. However, recent polling has shown declining support for the ruling party and the growing possibility that an opposition coalition would be able to form a government.

“The proposed changes are intended to further democratise elections in Poland by taking measures that would increase turnout and [that are] pro-democratic,” said PiS spokesman Rafał Bochenek.

The legislation introduces greater scrutiny of voting and vote counting at polling stations. In addition to parties’ election committee plenipotentiaries, independent social observers will have the right to record voting at polling stations.

Foundations and associations focused on democracy and human rights can nominate candidates to be such observers.

PiS also wants to change the way votes are counted. Members of the committees will no longer divide into groups or pile up the votes cast for individual candidates themselves. PiS now wants all committee members to count the votes together and communally recognise any invalid votes.

The law also provides for the possibility of setting up polling stations in smaller municipalities of 200 or 300 people, whereas previously the law required at least 500 people to live in a polling district. Local authorities would also be required to provide transport to polling stations for people aged over 60 or who have disabilities.

Under the new rules, local authorities would have to also organise transport for every voter in their district if public transport is not operating on the day of the election.

“There are thousands of such small localities in Poland [where] for years people, in order to vote, have had to travel to a neighbouring district, which was not always easy, therefore the law also resolves the issue of transport to polling stations,” said Bochenek.

“While preparing these regulations, we were keen to ensure that elections in Poland better fulfil the principles of a democratic state of law and that no one is excluded and deprived of the right to vote through lack of access to a polling station,” he added.

At the last parliamentary elections, in 2019, exit polls showed that turnout was lowest in lowest in villages (at 56.5%) and highest in large cities (at 72.3%). Among age groups, turnout was lowest among the youngest: 46.4% for those aged 18-29 compared to 66.2% for those aged 60+.

The opposition has criticised the ruling party’s proposals, accusing it of trying to increase turnout among its likely voters, as well as of attempting to push the changes through without public debate by submitting to parliament them two days before Christmas Eve.

“It is 22 December, we have a difficult economic situation, rampant cost of living crisis, rising inflation, high loan repayments, lack of money from the EU, and what is PiS doing? Submitting a bill amending the electoral code,” Dariusz Joński, an MP from the largest opposition party Civic Coalition (PO), told TOK FM.

He accused PiS of reacting in panic to recent polling, which has shown its lead over PO being reduced, by trying to find ways to boost its vote.

At the 2019 elections, exit polls showed that PiS was by far the most popular party for those aged 60+ (among whom it won over 56% of votes, compared to 44% among all age groups) and in villages, where it also won 56% of votes.


Bochenek, however, dismissed opposition criticism. “They talk about democracy, but when we want EVERY citizen to vote in elections, suddenly there is great indignation,” tweeted the PiS spokesman. “Are PO afraid of the voice of citizens? If not, let’s give ALL people a chance to vote, not just the chosen few.”

While the PiS-led ruling coalition remains ahead of all other groups in polling, it has seen its lead reduced in recent months.

Monthly polling averages produced by Ewybory, a website, show PiS on just under 32% support this month, down from over 35% in April. Civic Coalition (KO), which is centred around PO, has risen to over 29%, up from around 25% in the spring.

If neither PiS nor KO wins a majority of seats in parliament alone – as seems likely – the government that results from next autumn’s elections will depend upon what coalitions and alliances PiS and opposition parties form before and after the vote.

Main photo credit: Marek Podmokly / Agencja Wyborcza.pl

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