New polling for presidential election........>

POLAND: New polling for presidential election shows a potentially tough contest

for incumbent President Andrzej Duda.

- The two-round election was rescheduled from May 10 due to COVID-19, with June

28 a new provisional polling day.

- Duda, backed by governing conservative Law & Justice Party (PiS), is almost

certain to get into second round, but a first round win looks unlikely. 

- His opponent likely to be centre-right Civic Platform's new candidate Rafal

Trzaskowski or independent journalist and activist Szymon Holownia.

- Kantar polling for hypothetical second rounds (May 15-18, 956 respondents):

-- Scenario 1: Duda 54%, Trzaskowski 46%

-- Scenario 2: Duda 51%, Holownia 49%

- Polish president is largely ceremonial position, but has ability to veto

legislation. Loss of Duda as president could present challenges to PiS gov't in

gaining ratification for any controversial legislation.