Following presidential debates in Koński, which took place on 11 April, the latest United Surveys poll for Virtual Poland indicates crucial changes in Poles' electoral preferences. The Citizen Coalition candidate, Rafał Trzaskowski, recorded a decrease in support by 4.8 percent points, reaching 33.5%. In turn, Karol Nawrocki, a candidate supported by Law and Justice, gained 5.4 percent points, reaching 25.5% of support.
Two presidential debates were held in Konski. The first, organized by tv Republika, took place in the city marketplace and gathered 5 candidates: Szymon Hołownia, Marek Jakubiak, Karol Nawrocki, Joanna Senyszyn and Krzysztof Stanowski. The second debate, organised by Rafał Trzaskowski's staff, was held in the sports hall and was broadcast by TVP, TVN and Polsat. It was attended by Rafał Trzaskowski, Karol Nawrocki, Magdalena Biejat, Maciej Maciak, Szymon Hołownia, Marek Jakubiak, Krzysztof Stanowski and Joanna Senyszyn.
These debates were filled with tensions and controversy. Rafał Trzaskowski initially planned a debate only with Karol Nawrocki, but shortly before it began he invited another candidates to participate, which was met with criticism from Nawrocki's staff.
The United Surveys survey shows that the debates had a crucial impact on electoral preferences. Karol Nawrocki gained on them by expanding his support by 5.4 percent points. Rafał Trzaskowski lost 4.8 percent points. Sławomir Mentzen, who did not participate in the debates, recorded a decline in support by 5.4 percent points, reaching 13.4%.
The candidates who decided to participate in the debates noted an increase in support. Simon Holovnia gained 2 percent points, reaching 9.1%, and Magdalena Biejat improved her score by 3.6 percent points, reaching 6.3%.
Electoral turnout and social sentiments
The survey besides indicates a decrease in declared election turnout. Only recently, nearly 65% of the respondents declared taking part in the elections, now only 56%.
Debates in Konski importantly influenced the dynamics of the presidential campaign. Karol Nawrocki gained from them, while Rafał Trzaskowski and Sławomir Mentzen lost on support. Candidates who have chosen to participate in the debates have noted an increase in support, which may indicate the importance of direct contact with voters. However, the decline of the declared election turnout may origin concern and indicate the request for further electorate mobilisation.
