Warsaw holds presidential poll with EU role at stake

Poles began voting yesterday 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's pro-EU mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, 53, an ally of the centrist government, faces off against nationalist historian Karol Nawrocki, 42, with opinion polls showing that the race was too tight to call.

Polls closed at 9pm in the EU and Nato country, which borders Ukraine and has been a key supporter of its neighbour in the war against Russia.

An exit poll is expected as soon as ballots close and election officials predict that the final result will be known today.

A victory for Mr Trzaskowski would be a major boost for the progressive agenda of the government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a former European Council president.

It could mean significant social changes such as the introduction of civil partnerships for same-sex couples and an easing of the near-total ban on abortion.