Referring to his first-round performance in the election for head of state in 2015, Duda said: "(My) result of five years ago beaten by several lengths, and with 10 opponents standing. I am extremely grateful, thank you for your support."
Amid cheers from his supporters, Duda said there were many differences between him and left-wing contenders, “especially ideological ones.”
But he added they had one thing in common: “Namely, looking out for the ordinary man, especially the man who has suffered for various reasons, especially the man who is weaker, who lives in more difficult conditions. "
Duda won 41.8 percent of the vote on Sunday, while his main rival, Rafał Trzaskowski, the mayor of Warsaw, garnered 30.4 percent, according to an exit poll.
If official results, expected within the next few days, confirm that no contender won more than 50 percent of the vote, a second round will be held in two weeks.
Rafał Trzaskowski (second from right) amid supporters in Warsaw on Sunday. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak
Trzaskowski, the candidate of the opposition Civic Platform party, told supporters on Sunday he had a chance of winning on July 12.
"With such results you can go and fight for Poland," he said.
(pk)
Source: PAP
Click on the 'Play' button above for an audio report