Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and will close at 9 p.m. under a nationwide media blackout that bars campaign coverage until voting ends.
The National Electoral Commission said 28.95 million citizens are eligible to cast ballots, including Polish expatriates at more than 500 overseas polling sites.
To win outright, a candidate must secure more than 50 percent of valid votes; otherwise the top two finishers will meet in a runoff on June 1.
The presidency is limited to two consecutive terms. Candidates had to collect at least 100,000 supporting signatures and be 35 or older to stand.
Under the constitution, the president is commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces, formally appoints the government, can veto legislation and represents Poland abroad.
The winner will take office after being sworn in before a joint session of parliament, pledging to "guard the constitution, the independence and security of the state, and the welfare of the citizens."
Sunday's vote is Poland’s first nationwide election since Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist coalition took power in December 2023, ending eight years of nationalist rule by the Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Analysts say the result will determine whether Tusk's pro-EU agenda gains momentum or faces sustained vetoes from a conservative head of state.
Exit-poll projections are expected shortly after voting ends, with preliminary official results due on Monday.
(jh/gs)
Source: IAR