Commentary
Society
Why the EU Must Include Roma in Its Democracy Strategy – COMMENTARY
16 April 2025
20 April 2020
Not only in Hungary but also in Poland, the COVID-19 pandemic is a test for democracy. Just one month before the presidential election, the Polish governing party Law and Justice pushed for a change in the electoral code that would impose postal voting.
Two events have stirred controversy in Poland in recent weeks.
First, the country’s ruling party Law and Justice (PiS) forced through legislation that would oblige 30 million Poles to vote by post in next month’s presidential election. Second, it announced it would refuse to comply with a ruling of the European Court of Justice.
Both the changes to the electoral code and the idea of universal postal voting are problematic. The government wants to prevent a delay at all costs so that the election does not take place in the midst of an economic recession caused by COVID-19.