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WARSAW, Poland (AP) \u2014 Poland holds a presidential election<\/a> Sunday as the conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda nears the end of his second and final term. If none of the 13 candidates<\/a> wins at least 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held June 1 between the top two. All signs indicate it will be a showdown between Warsaw Mayor Rafa\u0142 Trzaskowski and conservative historian Karol Nawrocki.<\/p>\n While much of the power in Poland lies with the prime minister and legislature, the presidency is far more than ceremonial, with influence over foreign policy and military affairs and the ability to veto legislation.<\/p>\n Here is a look at the top four candidates:<\/p>\n Rafa\u0142 Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw<\/p>\n Trzaskowski, a political ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has been leading in polls with support just above 30% \u2014 a clear edge over his two main rivals, both conservative nationalists.<\/p>\n Supporters of the 53-year-old praise his pro-European stance and his role in modernizing Warsaw, which has seen significant infrastructure and cultural investment<\/a> during his tenure.<\/p>\n However, Poland remains a largely conservative, Catholic country. Trzaskowski\u2019s liberal views \u2014 particularly his support for LGBTQ+ rights and participation in Pride parades \u2014 alienate some voters outside urban centers. He also faces criticism over local governance, including allegations of inefficiency, controversial real estate management and perceived wasteful spending.<\/p>\n In a runoff, he could expect the bulk of right-wing voters to coalesce behind the other candidate. Trzaskowski could also be vulnerable to voter apathy among centrists and progressives who are frustrated with Tusk\u2019s inability to deliver on key campaign promises, such as loosening Poland\u2019s strict abortion law.<\/a><\/p>\n This is the second presidential campaign for Trzaskowski after Duda narrowly defeated him five years ago.<\/p>\n Karol Nawrocki, a conservative histo rian<\/p>\n Nawrocki, 42, is the candidate<\/a> representing Poland\u2019s conservative Law and Justice party. The historian currently heads the Institute of National Remembrance, where he angered Russia<\/a> with efforts to topple Soviet-era memorials.<\/a> He previously directed the Museum of the Second World War<\/a> in Gdansk, putting his national conservative stamp on the institution. His academic work has focused on anti-communist resistance and organized crime in communist-era Poland.<\/p>\n He is not a party member, and his candidacy represents the Law and Justice party’s strategy<\/a> to present a fresh face as it aims to regain influence. The party ruled for eight years but lost power<\/a> to Tusk’s coalition in 2023.<\/p>\n Nawrocki\u2019s campaign has been marred by controversies.<\/p>\n Journalists revealed that in 2018, under the pseudonym \u201cTadeusz Batyr,\u201d he published a book on a notorious gangster. In a television interview, Batyr \u2014 with his face blurred and his voice altered \u2014 praised Nawrocki\u2019s work without disclosing they were the same person. Separately Nawrocki, using his real identity, praised Batyr’s work.<\/p>\n Nawrocki also been linked to a scandal involving the acquisition of an apartment from an elderly pensioner named Jerzy. Allegations suggest Nawrocki promised to care for Jerzy in return but failed to fulfill the commitment, leading the man to end up in a state-funded retirement home. Nawrocki denies wrongdoing in both cases.<\/p>\n S\u0142awomir Mentzen, a far-right firebrand and beer entrepreneur<\/p>\n At 38, S\u0142awomir Mentzen has emerged as a prominent figure in the presidential race, leveraging his savvy use of social media platforms to connect with younger voters. His sleek videos and populist messaging have resonated with many young people, especially men. Mentzen also has been actively touring the country, aiming to broaden his appeal to older demographics.<\/p>\n