Poles vote in a Presidential election

(Vatican Radio) Presidential elections have begun in Poland with the candidate of a party defending Catholic values seen as a strong rival to incumbent President Bronislaw Komorowski.  

Though popular, the 62-year-old Komorowski, surprisingly, narrowly lost the first round of voting on May 10 to Andrzej Duda, a little known but energetic 43-year-old lawyer and member of the European Parliament. 

Listen to this report by Stefan Bos

Yet, both candidates failed to get the necessary 50 percent plus one vote to claim outright victory, prompting Sunday's run-off election.  

Analysts say that protest votes for a rock star in the first round, may now go to Duda.   

President Komorowski is paying the price for his links to the ruling center right Civic Platform which has faced public anger over several scandals and raising the retirement age.   

Yet with a race too close to call, the elderly statesman remains confident. 

NO ILLUSIONS

"We should not have any illusions. We have a lot of work and a tough road ahead of us. But we also have victory ahead of us. I am sure of it," he said.   

Analysts say that both men are essentially conservative. The current president claims stability in leadership and a good relationship with the European Union are vital to tackle the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine where pro-Russian separatists continue to battle against government forces. 

His rival Duda represents a more conservative, euro sceptic but pro-Catholic stance on a number of social issues in Poland.  

He is a vocal anti-abortion activist, opposes same-sex marriages and is against assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization treatment. 

And noting that millions of Poles have left to seek a better life abroad, Duda also pledged to reach out to disillusioned voters with promises to increase wages and the retirement age. 

VETO POWER

These are not the issues a president can decide on alone. In fact most of the power belongs to the prime minister. Yet the president holds veto power, is the head of the armed forces, and has a say in foreign policies. 

Duda says he is ready for the presidency, but acknowledges a tough battle ahead.  "It's only an opening. We need victory. We have to work at this victory. Because I don't think you can achieve something in life without having worked hard for it," he added. 

His conservative nationalist opposition Justice and Life Party, which claims to defend Catholic values, views Sunday's election as a dress rehearsal for upcoming elections expected this autumn. 

It hopes to return to power in this mainly Catholic EU member state, perhaps with a coalition partner.