Poles Vote; Twins' Ouster Likely

Poles headed to the polls today in larger numbers than usual, potentially ending the reign of the conservative Kaczynski twins, the Guardian reports. Exit polls weren't available, but opposition leader Donald Tusk had been expected to replace Jaroslaw Kaczynski as PM and lead a hostile parliament against President Lech Kaczynski. Younger Poles are frustrated with the twins’ conservative style and seeming obsession with bygone bogeymen.

“We need constructive politics, not the Kaczynskis always talking about communism,” said one young ex-pat. Tusk’s Civic Platform wants more globalization and economic reforms. The Kaczynskis are hoping the Catholic Radio Maryja—which broadcasts anti-Semitic screeds and conspiracy theories—can inspire enough voters to repeat their 2005 come-from-behind victory. Said one worried voter, “Somehow I can't quite believe we are about to get rid of them.” (More Poland stories.)