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MP challenges Poland’s presidential runoff, alleges vote tampering

13.06.2025 14:14
A prominent Polish lawyer and lawmaker has filed a legal challenge with the country's Supreme Court seeking to annul the recent presidential runoff, citing alleged vote tampering.
Roman Giertych
Roman GiertychPhoto: PAP/Marcin Obara

Roman Giertych submitted the complaint on Thursday, pointing to what he described as serious procedural violations and manipulation during the election.

Giertych alleged that vote counts were falsified, some polling stations were improperly staffed, and an unauthorised digital tool was used to block legitimate voters.

His challenge comes amid broader claims of errors in election reports and votes being incorrectly assigned to candidates.

Personal data breach raises concern

Giertych also drew attention after publicly sharing the first page of his filing, which displayed his PESEL number - a unique Polish national ID comparable to a US Social Security number.

The disclosure triggered warnings about data privacy, as PESEL numbers can be used in identity fraud or to secure financial credit.

The Supreme Court, which is reviewing all election-related complaints, has already ordered a recount in 13 polling stations across Poland.

It said the goal is to determine whether errors were clerical or deliberate - and whether they could have affected the outcome of the 1 June vote.

According to reporting by TVN24.pl, the Court has now received 192 election protests. The deadline for filing is 16 June. A final ruling on the validity of the election must be issued by 2 July.

The body responsible for handling election protests- the Supreme Court’s Chamber of Extraordinary Control and Public Affairs - was established under legislation introduced by the PiS-led government in 2018.

This specialized tribunal, which has sole authority to review electoral disputes and determine the validity of elections, is currently challenged by the incumbent government and faces legal scrutiny from both the European Union and Polish judicial authorities.

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Source: X/@GiertychRoman/tvn24.pl/@SN_RP_