Bee. The postal election inquiry committee convened at 10 in the morning, marking the start of a session that sought clarity on a sequence of events surrounding the postal voting process. The committee scheduled to hear from Maciej Biernat, who led Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych SA as chairman from 2018 to 2023, and from Mariusz Kamiński, who previously headed the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration. Both witnesses had appeared before a different investigative panel the day prior, focusing on visa-related issues, and now prepared to testify again before this committee.
The proceedings opened with the session chairman, Dariusz Joński, presiding over the gathering. He explained the rights and obligations applicable to the witnesses, including the formal oath and the procedures for questioning. Biernat, who chose not to retain counsel for the testimony, introduced himself and proceeded to take the oath, affirming the accuracy of his statements under oath. The testimony was anticipated to shed light on the timeline and decisions that led to the printing of packages for postal ballots. The chair reminded the witnesses of the procedural framework governing the inquiry and emphasized that the proceedings would proceed in a thorough, orderly manner.
The meeting unfolded as a structured inquiry, with Joński guiding the questions and ensuring that each point was explored with due diligence. The witness recalled the initial awareness of the decision to print postal election packages, attempting to place it within a specific timeframe. Biernat indicated that the relevant discussions likely occurred in early April, with a tentative reference to April 6 being a possible date for when he heard about the plan to print the necessary materials. This recollection contributed to establishing a clearer chronology for the committee and its investigation.
As the inquiry progressed, the chairman provided the witness with a concise outline of the topics to be addressed, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the process. Biernat acknowledged his role during the leadership period at the printing company and affirmed his understanding of the duties associated with that position. He also clarified that he did not appoint a lawyer for this particular questioning, choosing instead to proceed directly with the testimony after affirming his commitment to the proceedings. The atmosphere in the room remained formal, yet there was an unmistakable sense of urgency in uncovering the sequence of events and the decision-making that influenced the postal election preparations. The committee signaled its intent to pursue additional lines of questioning as needed, ensuring that all relevant aspects were thoroughly examined.
Throughout the session, the chair and the witness exchanged remarks that reflected careful attention to procedure, legality, and the integrity of the electoral process. The proceedings were broadcast and recorded, with the aim of ensuring accountability and providing a clear record for the public. The committee continued to delineate the scope of inquiry, outlining the key milestones, communications, and actions that could have impacted the postal voting program, while the witnesses offered their recollections and clarifications. The overarching goal remained the establishment of a transparent and fact-based account of the events under scrutiny. This approach helped to keep the discussion focused on verifiable details and the sequence of decisions that shaped the postal election preparations, in a manner consistent with parliamentary oversight and democratic norms. The testimony from Biernat, former leader of the printing company, was a critical component in constructing an informed narrative of the period in question, contributing to the broader inquiry into postal election logistics and governance. Attributions: (Citation: wPolityce)