Poland’s socially conservative Law and Justice party held its lead over the market-oriented Civic Platform to win the country’s parliamentary election, according to a final results Tuesday.
With all ballots counted, Law and Justice took 27 percent of the vote, while Civic Platform had 24 percent, the State Electoral Commission said.
The ousted governing Democratic Left Alliance garnered only 11 percent, down from 41 percent in the last election four years ago. The party has been undermined by corruption scandals and persistently high unemployment.
Details of the distribution of seats in the lower and upper houses were expected later Tuesday.
Law and Justice planned to open talks with Civic Platform on forming a coalition government.
Law and Justice leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski noted Monday that the two center-right parties have a lot in common, including calls for tax cuts.
But he said his party would hold out against the centerpiece of Civic Platform’s program — a 15 percent flat-rate tax for individuals, businesses and on consumption.
Law and Justice favors retaining higher tax rates for the wealthy and offering tax breaks for large families.
