Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland's presidency in narrow victory

Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election

Conservative leader Karol Nawrocki has won Poland's presidential election, securing 50.89% of the vote in a closely contested race against liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who garnered 49.11%, according to the final count reported by the Associated Press.

The tight race kept the country tense from the first round two weeks ago through Monday night, highlighting deep divisions in this part of NATO and the European Union.

The Polish Electoral Commission announced on its website that all votes have been tallied, with official results expected to be released Monday morning.

The outcome indicates that Poland can be expected to take a more nationalist path under its new leader, who was backed by US President Donald Trump reports AP.

Who is Nawrocki? 

Karol Nawrocki, 42, is a historian and former amateur boxer who led Poland's National Remembrance Institute, ran on a platform prioritizing economic and social policies for Poles, including a stance against accommodating refugees from neighboring Ukraine.

Although Poland’s parliament holds most legislative power, the president has veto authority, making the election closely watched not only in Poland but also by Ukraine, Russia, the United States, and the European Union.

Nawrocki, a conservative with no previous political office, received backing from the national conservative Law and Justice party. As head of a state historical institute, he campaigned as a defender of traditional values and national sovereignty. Earlier this month, he met with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, seen as a sign of support, and his campaign included anti-Ukrainian rhetoric.

(With agency inputs)