POLAND RETURNED INCUMBENT PRESIDENT FOR SECOND TERM

President Andrzej Duda of Poland was narrowly elected to a second term after the votes were counted on Monday afternoon the country’s closest presidential election since the end of communist rule in 1989, clearing a potential obstacle for the conservative nationalist government.

The incumbent Poland president Mr. Duda and the governing party have fought to control the courts and media, while stoking fear of gay people, the European Union and foreigners. For many in the opposition, the race was not only a contest between competing visions for Poland, but a last chance to save institutions that form the bedrock of a healthy democracy.

Also Read: world-trade-centre-engulfed-in-flames

While the tight vote underscored the extent to which the deep divisions in Poland have only intensified after five years governed by the Law and Justice party, there was no suggestion the government would now change course.

Mr. Duda’s promise to protect “traditional families” resonated with older voters and churchgoers, especially in the eastern half of the country, helping him fend off a fierce challenge from Rafal Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw.

Another Read: government-inadequacies-hampered-evacuating-stranded-nigerians-from-the-uk

Mr. Trzaskowski conceded defeat Monday afternoon after the country’s electoral commission said that with 99.9 percent of the actual vote counted, Mr. Duda had secured 51.21 percent of the vote. Mr. Trzaskowski won 48.79 percent.