Poland is heading to the polls on May 18 for the first round of its presidential election. The outcome will have an impact on Poland's domestic policies and shape both its relationship with the European Union and its stance on key social issues such as abortion rights and immigration policy.
The field for Sunday's election is typically wide, including liberals, pro-EU candidates, conservatives, euroskeptics and far-right politicians. The campaign also reflects a recent trend in several European countries, namely that far-right candidates are polling well.
In Poland, the president serves as the head of state and holds both representative and important but limited executive powers. He or she is the head of the armed forces. The role also includes key constitutional and political functions such as the appointment of the prime minister and top judges and the power to veto legislation passed by parliament — decisions that can significantly influence the country's governance.
If none of the candidates receive at least 50% of the votes on Sunday, there will be a runoff between the top two candidates on June 1.