Presidential elections in the Republic of Poland in 2020

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this article is the analysis of normative aspect of Presidential Elections in the Republic of Poland in 2020, conducted under conditions of coronavirus epidemics SARS-CoV-2.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research analysis mainly focused on normative acts (also their projects), as well as official announcements of National Electoral Commission, which resulted in adopting the analytical method.

FINDINGS: Performed analyses allow to conclude that the trial to realize voting in Presidential Elections as of 10th May 2020 had been impossible in those legal and actual conditions. This state could have been anticipated already, a least the previous month.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Performed analysis gives legitimacy to state that interfering in electoral action’s regulations during its duration is not only objectionable from the point of view of fundamental rules of democratic law-governed state, but also counterproductive. Implementation of changes into nationwide electoral action during its term only brings irreparable damage. In case of repetitive extraordinary situations, which result in electoral action’s fiasco, information policy ought to be performed in a transparent way on the basis of announcements of specialized (election oriented) administration organs.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Presidential Elections in 2020 were the first nationwide electoral action in the history of the Republic of Poland, during which legal and factual circumstances made voting in initially planned term impossible. At the same time, till the last day before elections called for 10th May 2020, public authority tried to perform elections through subsequent normative changes. However, it occurred to be impossible – which had been anticipated by National Electoral Commission a few days before. Conclusions and values which stem from the nationwide electoral fiasco, allow to manage risk more effectively in the times of unforeseeable circumstances, disturbing seriously social life.