POLAND

ELECTORAL SYSTEM
 
Chamber:
  Senat
 
Electoral Law:
  10 May 1991
 
 
Constituencies:
  40 multi-member constituencies: 2-4 senators each, a total of 100 seats.
 
Voting System:
  Simple majority vote.
Vacancies arising between general elections are filled through by-elections (except in the last six months of the legislature's term).
Voting is not compulsory.
 
Voter requirements:
  - age: 18 years
- Polish citizenship
- disqualifications: mental deficiency, deprivation of civil or electoral rights by court ruling
 
Eligibility:
  Qualified electors
- age: 30 years
- Polish citizenship
- permanent residence in the country for not less than five years
 
Incompatibilities:
  - President of the National Bank of Poland, of the Supreme Chamber of Control, the Commissioner for Citizens' Rights, the Commissioner for Childrens' Rights or their assistants
- members of the Council for Monetary Policy, of the National Council of Radio Broadcasting and Television
- ambassadors
- employment in the chancelleries of the Diet, Senate or President of the Republic
- employment in government administration (except members of the Council of Ministers and Secretaries of State)
- judges, public prosecutors
- civil servants
- soldiers on active duty, police or State protection forces
 
Candidacy requirements:
  - candidatures must be submitted at least 40 days prior to polling day
- right to nominate candidates is vested in the electors and political parties which may set up national or local electoral committees for this purpose
- support by at least 3,000 electors residing in the constituency concerned


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