POLAND: Komorowski elected president
06.07.2010, 16:41After an exceptionally tight race, yesterday afternoon Bronislaw Komorowski was officially declared the winner of Poland's presidential elections.
The candidate of the Civic Platform (PO) Bronislaw Komorowski (58) gained 53 percent of votes, while 47 percent of Poles voted for the Law & Justice (PiS) party candidate Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the twin brother of the late president. Voter turnout was 55 percent.
In his remarks given upon being named president-elect by the national election commission, Komorowski said he would resign from his party membership as he strives to build a multi-partisan presidency. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be held in the first half of August.
It is believed that Komorowski's victory allows the Polish government to speed up structural reforms and strengthen ties with the European Union. It also gives the PO control of the presidency and cabinet, and ensures smooth cooperation with Prime Minister Donald Tusk's economically liberal government. While Poland has proudly stood alone in Europe as the only country to avoid recession, it still faces the challenge of fighting a significant budget deficit.
Poland held early elections because the former president Lech Kaczynski died in a plane crash on 10 April. After the tragic event, Komorowski, the speaker of parliament, became the interim president. The local and parliamentary elections are scheduled for 2011.