Poles gearing up for pivotal elections

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, OCT 9 - On Sunday, Poles will vote in what opposition leader Donald Tusk called the most important election since the fall of communism in 1989. According to international media, the ruling populist Law and Justice party (PiS) is vying for an unprecedented third consecutive term, a prospect that has been seen by critics as a factor potentially solidifying an illiberal transformation of the country's institutions. Polls show PiS with a slight lead over Tusk's Civic Coalition, but neither party is likely to secure an outright majority in the lower house (Sejm). This sets the stage for post-election negotiations as the leading party seeks to form a government coalition. The smaller, far-right Confederation party has been rumoured to join such a coalition with PiS if their election results make them kingmakers. (ANSA).