Conservative challenger candidate Andrzej Duda leads incumbent Bronislaw Komorowski in Poland's presidential election, but failed to secure enough votes to avoid a runoff election, according to dpa. Duda of the conservative Law and Justice party had garnered 34.8 per cent of the vote, compared to 32.2 per cent for Komorowski, who had been considered the favourite going into the race. A second round of voting is to take place in two weeks. "Change in Poland begins with change in the presidency," Duda declared to jubilent supporters who saw hope for a victory on May 24 after their candidate beat expectations and overcame opinion polls that had consistently favoured the incumbent Komorowski. Duda hopes to draw support in the runoff from third-place candidate Pawel Kukiz, who secured 20 per cent of the vote. Komorowski, of the centre-right Civic Platform party, had seen his job approval rating dip from above 50 per cent a few months ago to just below 40 per cent in the latest public opinion poll by broadcaster TVN ahead of the vote. A former defence minister and parliamentary speaker, Komorowski has been president since 2010. Komorowski saw a warning in the results for the ruling party, but expressed confidence that he would ultimately secure reelection. The vote on Sunday is seen as a bellwether ahead of parliamentary elections this autumn. Civic Platform has held power in Poland since 2007, and the Law and Justice party is hoping Komorowski's fading popularity bodes well not only for their chances in the run-off vote but also for for their prospects in parliament later this year. Duda, a lawyer and relative political newcomer, campaigned on a promise to help the "little man" and reverse measures passed by the Civic Platform-led coalition government, especially the raising of the retirement age to 67. He also vowed to cut taxes. In seeking another five-year term, Komorowski has cast himself as a steady hand that is strong on security, especially at a time of increased tension with Russia over the conflict in Ukraine. Along with representing Poland abroad, the president is able to influence the legislative agenda in parliament and holds veto power. Some 49 per cent of voters cast ballots, fewer than in 2010 presidential elections that saw 55 per cent participation.
