Draft regulation sets September 27 for Krakow mayoral election

A draft regulation from the Prime Minister's office indicates that early elections for the mayor of Krakow are scheduled for Sunday, September 27. This move follows a decisive referendum in May where a significant majority of Krakow residents voted to recall Aleksander Miszalski from his position as mayor.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the official decree would be issued on Friday. The draft regulation, published on government websites, outlines the proposed election date and includes a planned electoral calendar. The process is currently undergoing review and consultation with the National Electoral Commission (PKW).

The proposed timeline includes the issuance of election announcements upon the regulation's entry into force, with a deadline of August 17 for the formation of electoral committees. City electoral commissions are expected to be appointed by August 24, and candidates must submit their nominations by 4:00 PM on September 3. The election campaign will officially commence and run until September 25. Public broadcasters will begin airing free electoral advertisements from September 12, following requests submitted by September 8.

The need for these early elections was solidified after the Krakow Court of Appeal dismissed a challenge to the validity of the May 24 referendum. The court's final ruling confirmed the referendum's validity, clearing the path for the snap election. In the referendum, over 171,500 Krakow residents voted to recall Miszalski, with only over 3,600 voting against it. The turnout was 29.99%, exceeding the 26.98% threshold required for the referendum to be binding. Currently, Stanisław Kracik, the current deputy mayor, is serving as acting mayor until a new one is elected.

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The regulation will be issued on Friday.