PKW Seeks Probe into Online Election Irregularities

The Internet campaign activity even drew questions about potential violations of election law. "We have several thousand reports…

informations received…from different entities including NASK, this is majority of information…information that requires verification…analyses by ABW," confirmed PKW Chairman Sylwester Marciniak, adding that such a verification would be performed by Poland's Internal Intelligence Agency, the ABW.

PKW Probes Online Anomalien
In a news conference just before the presidential poll's second run-off, Marciniak was questioned on what steps the commission was taking over allegations of illegal campaign funding. He said that the PKW recognized the seriousness of an internet activity that might disrupt the election and added that the PKW was currently holding discussions on the matter. There is internal debate about whether to file formal complaints to the relevant authorities.

'I also have extensive documentation for ABW and NASK (including many questions, which I have) Marciniak also said. But he journalists that the agency had received no response from either organisation.

International Attention and OSCE Statements
The National Electoral Office later confirmed that a formal appeal was made to the ABW which echoed the PKW's fears. It had been previously reported in the media that some of the online ads seemed to be in favor of Rafał Trzaskowski and at the expense of his rivals, Karol Nawrocki and Sławomir Mentzen. These anomalies, especially the indistinct source and financing of the ads, raised the attention of the international community.

These developments were also reported by the OSCE, monitoring the elections. They also criticized NASK's actions from the perspective of transparency and clarity, pointing out irregular actions and late public responses.