What's the punishment for breaking vote silence? Elections are governed by strict rules

news.5v.pl 3 months ago

Electoral silence is the period in which it applies a complete ban on political agitation. It has been regulated in the electoral code, and its aim is to give voters time to make decisions without the force and influence of political campaigns.

Starts at midnight from Friday to Saturday before election day and tuntil the end of the vote, which is until 9:00 on Sunday, erstwhile the polling stations are closed. During this time, any action promoting candidates shall be prohibited, including:

organising rallies,
distribution of leaflets,
publishing polls,
conducting agitation in the media and the Internet.

How's the fine threatening to get electoral agitation?

Any action aimed at encouraging a circumstantial candidate, both in public and online, is subject to strict sanctions. For breaking this ban, there is simply a punishment for a fine the amount of which may scope up to PLN 5,000.

SEE: Presidential election 2025. Who can vote?

Electoral agitation can take various forms – not only direct call for vote, but besides tiny gestures, specified as exposing electoral symbols. Even public speaking, if agitative, can be considered a violation.

Raw penalties for publishing polls

The publication of poll results during the silence of elections is 1 of the most serious violations. This applies to both conventional media and the internet, including private Facebook and Twitter entries and surveys.

A fine is in danger of making the poll available from PLN 500,000 to even PLN 1,000,000. These rules aim to prevent public manipulation in fresh hours before the vote.

Responsibility for online agitation

In the age of social media, it is easy to unwittingly violate voter silence. Comments, posts or even reactions to entries concerning candidates can be considered agitation.

Avoid:

publishing posts supporting candidates,
making electoral content available,
Like or comment on political entries.

SEE: Complementary elections to the Senate. PKW reported results

In 2020, there were cases where social media users were fined for interacting with electoral content.

Agitation at the polling station

Violation of electoral silence at or around the electoral venue may consequence not only in fines but besides in Police intervention and removal from the premises.

Not permitted, among others:

wearing clothes or pin with the names of candidates,
loud talks about elections,
distribution of leaflets or another material to advance candidates.

Members of the electoral committees shall be obliged to pay attention to specified infringements and to take appropriate action.

Legal effects and image problems

Public individuals and candidates should pay peculiar attention to keeping the election quiet. Its infringement may consequence in financial penalties as well as a serious image crisis and legal consequences.

SEE: Presidential election 2025. Key powers of the head of state

Examples show that even a insignificant infringement can affect the public's acceptance of the candidate and undermine its credibility.