The main opposition candidate in Poland’s trouble-ridden presidential election said Friday she was quitting the race after her support dropped dramatically.
Center-liberal candidate Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska of the Civic Platform party was at one point seen as a strong contender, but lost almost all support after she called for a boycott of the election held amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Civic Platform is expected to name a new candidate to run against the frontrunner, incumbent President Andrzej Duda, and a few other candidates.
An opposition candidate in Poland's presidential election, Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, wearing a face mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus, arrives at the parliament, in Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, ahead of the debate on the postal presidential election that is scheduled for Sunday. The ruling party wants the election in May, the Senate is calling for a state of natural disaster that would allow for postponement by three months. (AP PhotoCzarek Sokolowski)
Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski and former foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski have been mentioned as potential new picks.
The election was originally scheduled for last Sunday but was postponed amid coronavirus restrictions and political infighting over how and when to hold the vote. The new date is still to be announced, but it should fall before late July.
Duda, whose term expires Aug. 6, is seeking reelection with the support of the ruling, right-wing Law and Justice party.
FILE - In this file photo taken April 6, 2020, in Warsaw, Poland, are seen liberal opposition Civic Platform party candidate for president Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, right, and party leader Borys Budka, left. The Polish government’s determination to move forward with the May 10, presidential election during the coronavirus pandemic by making it an all-postal vote is creating anxiety and anger, and critics say the plan threatens public health and democracy in Poland.(AP PhotoCzarek Sokolowski, FILE)
Campaign activists for one of the opposition candidates in Poland's presidential election, Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska, in Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, before parliament decides whether the vote can be held Sunday or later. The ruling party wants the election in May, the Senate is calling for a state of natural disaster that would allow for postponement by three months. (AP PhotoCzarek Sokolowski)