Poland election: Women and youth force PiS from power

BBC: In a historic parliamentary election in Poland, a record-high voter turnout of over 74% led to the ousting of the right-wing Law and Justice party (PiS) from power. Young voters played a significant role in this change, with 68.8% of voters under 29 turning out, surpassing the turnout among over-60s. The opposition Civic Coalition was especially popular among young voters and won in key areas like Wroclaw’s Jagodno suburb.

During the election campaign, both major parties focused on negative campaigning rather than addressing the youth vote. The government warned that Civic Coalition would bring chaos, while Donald Tusk, Civic Coalition’s leader, criticized PiS as a threat to democracy. The latter message resonated more with young voters.

The high level of voter engagement was further evidenced by smart voting strategies, such as the #WarsawTrip online campaign, which encouraged people to register in smaller towns to give their votes more weight. Activists and celebrities urged participation, emphasizing the election’s importance for Poland’s future in the EU and its core values.

Women also had significant influence in the election. After the PiS party’s near-ban on abortion led to huge protests in 2020, women’s voter turnout this time was slightly higher than men’s. Social media campaigns encouraged women to exercise their voting power.

The Civic Coalition and Left parties, likely to form the new government, have promised to overturn strict abortion laws implemented by the outgoing PiS administration. With PiS unlikely to find allies to form a government, opposition parties are already planning their next steps.

The entire article can be read at the link https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67156864