Poland’s postponed presidential election to be held June 28

WARSAW, Poland – The speaker of Poland’s parliament announced Wednesday that the postponed presidential election will take place June 28. People will be able to vote in person, but postal votes will also be available on request.

The election was originally planned for May 10 but the coronavirus pandemic forced the conservative government to put it off amid political wrangling with the opposition over how and when it could be safely organized. A planned all-postal election was not ready on time.

Speaker Elzbieta Witek said that, if needed, a runoff will be held July 12.

Voters concerned for their health may request to be able to mail their votes.

Incumbent President Andrzej Duda, whose term expires Aug. 6, is seeking reelection. He is running against nine other candidates, with his main challenge coming from Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski.

Trzaskowski made a late entry after his predecessor pulled out due to low support. He has one week to gather the 100,000 signatures of support he needs to be formally on the ballot.