Poland Holds Tight Vote With EU Role at Stake

Poles voted on June 1 in a tight presidential election with major implications for the country's role in Europe, and for abortion and LGBTQ rights.

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WARSAW -

Warsaw's liberal Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, 53, an ally of the centrist government, faced off against nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki, 42, with polls predicting an extremely close finish.

With the run-off election coinciding with Poland's annual children's holiday, Mr Trzaskowski wrote on Facebook: "May it be a really good Children's Day. For everyone."

Dr Nawrocki said "I will win" after voting in Warsaw. "Poland should be strong, Poland should be independent," he told reporters.

Polls closed at 9 pm in the country. Poland is a member of the European Union and Nato that borders Ukraine, and has been a key supporter of its neighbour in the war against Russia.

An exit poll was expected as soon as ballots closed and election officials predict the final result will be known on June 2.

"I'm voting for Trzaskowski. He's educated, speaks many languages, is intelligent, just all round great," said Ms Agnieszka Lewinska, a 56-year-old cleaner in the town of Halinow just outside the capital.

Warsaw pensioner Lila Chojecka, 60, said she cast her ballot for Dr Nawrocki.