On Thursday, a PiS deputy, Radosław Fogiel, informed the Sejm that the polling station was awaiting the registration document from the National Electoral Commission (PKW). He noted that the next step involves compiling the candidate list and promised to provide updates as soon as the information is finalized. This statement came as part of ongoing proceedings surrounding the organization of elections to the Sejm.
The National Electoral Commission acknowledged receipt of a notification from PiS about the formation of an election commission for the elections to the Sejm. In its briefing, the Election Commission indicated that it was awaiting the PKW registration document and described the subsequent phase, including the drafting and approval of letters, to proceed at an orderly pace.
Fogiel answered questions at a press conference, reiterating that updates would be issued as soon as decisions are resolved. The emphasis remained on transparency and timely communication with the public regarding electoral arrangements.
The proceedings around election commissions emphasize the roles they play in facilitating the participation of parties, coalitions, and voters in the seat distribution process for the Sejm. In general terms, party electoral commissions and voters’ electoral commissions must secure more than five percent of voters’ support to participate in seat allocation under the national electoral threshold; for coalitions, the threshold increases to eight percent.
The current election calendar sets an August 28 deadline for submitting notifications about the establishment of an election commission to the PKW. In addition to PiS, other groups submitted documentation to the PKW on August 10, including the Election Commission of the Slavic Union, the Election Commission of the Freedom Party, and the Election Commission of the Coalition of Szymon Hołownia – Polish People’s Party and the Law and Justice Election Commission.
Historically, the PKW has received multiple notifications about the establishment of election commissions. Earlier submissions included committees such as the Confederation of Freedom and Independence, the New Left, the Non-Partisan Local Government group, the Liberal Polish Strike Entrepreneurs, and other coalitions like the Civic Coalition and Zieloni as part of the broader electoral landscape. Each notification is evaluated to determine whether it meets the legal requirements for establishment under the Electoral Code.
Notification Rules
When a notification aligns with the Electoral Code’s criteria, the National Electoral Commission typically decides on acceptance within three days of submission. If the notification contains flaws, the PKW requires the voter or committee to address them within three days. If the defects are not corrected within this period, the PKW may refuse the notice. Should a notice be denied, the election proxy retains the right to file a complaint with the Supreme Court against the PKW’s decision.
Once registration is completed, an election commission may begin collecting signatures for candidate lists. The deadline for submitting lists for deputies and senators is September 6, marking a critical step in the pre-election process.
Recent highlights show continued growth in the number of registered electoral commissions. For example, today saw the registration of additional commissions from parties and coalitions, including Third Way, Law and Justice, and Agrounia, among others. The ongoing activity signals a robust period of organization as parties prepare to participate in the forthcoming elections.
In another notable development, Krzysztof Sobolewski has been named PiS’s election representative. The specifics of when the party will submit its notice on establishing a monitoring or coordinating committee are anticipated, reflecting the dynamic and strategic planning characterizing the campaign period.
There are broad indications that several formations have already informed the Polish military contingent about the establishment of a commission, with reporting noting both well-known and lesser-known groups. This underscores the diverse and evolving political landscape as electoral preparations advance across multiple fronts.
All updates in this coverage come from ongoing parliamentary and media briefings, reflecting the evolving nature of the electoral process in Poland during this phase. The discussions and notifications around election commissions remain central to ensuring a fair and transparent path toward the Sejm elections.
Source: wPolityce