Elections in the Face of COVID-19: Learning From the Polish Example - Diplomat Magazine

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every facet of our human society. The challenges are apparent, but the drastic proportions of the pandemic are not as strong as our collective human resolve.

With Georgia’s parliamentary elections on the horizon, many skeptics and optimists are proposing different solutions to the elections. In Poland, Georgia finds a practical example of a country pushing against the difficulties, the opinion of naysayers, and the optimism of others to run a successful election.

What are the lessons Georgia can learn to strengthen her democracy from the example of Poland at this critical time?

You will find out in this interview we had with the Ambassador of Poland to the Republic of Georgia Mariusz Maszkiewicz.

Poland is in a relatively good economic position as it was able to successfully slow the spread of the virus. Its infection rate is lower than almost any other major EU country. Now, the country could emerge from the coronavirus pandemic in a stronger position than before. How do you assess the current situation in Poland and what experience can your country share in this case?

Coronavirus pandemic will certainly have a negative effect on Polish economy, but according to experts – including analysts of the European Commission – it will be less damaging than in most European countries. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has recently stressed in his last text - published by “The Daily Telegraph” of 16th of July: This year will go down in history as a time of great struggle and consequence. Our fight against the pandemic is an epic human endeavour, but we need to brace ourselves for an even more important battle in the months ahead – over the shape of our post-Covid economy.

In fact, the infection rate in Poland is very low, approximately 1000 cases per population of 1 million – 8th lowest in the EU, lowest among “big” and “middle” countries. According to economic forecast by European Commission, Polish GDP will decrease in 2020 by –4.6%, as compared to –8.3% in the whole EU. Polish GDP is predicted to bounce back by 4.3% in 2021.

What cooperation has Poland had with Georgia since the outbreak?

We have offered some equipment in frame of Polish Aid – shipment of Personal Protection Equipment - 7 tons of disinfectants and face shields. Maybe it’s not large one but significant – as the symbol of our strong relation within EU Eastern Partnership and NATO-Georgia cooperation. We had also very interesting videoconference between Polish and Georgian specialists sharing experience on fighting Covid-19. Polish doctors who participated in missions to Lombardy and Chicago described Georgian partners their experience and outcomes.

How do you think this crisis will affect economic relations between Poland and Georgia?

Given the negative growth in both countries in nearest future, short term decrease in trade exchange may indeed occur (approximately 18%, compared with previous year). However, both for Polish and Georgian entrepreneurs this crisis could be a chance to look for new business opportunities and increase cooperation – with a view of long term profits.

Many Polish tourists visited Georgia before pandemic, what do you think attracts them here? Which sights of our country are most attractive for a polish tourist?

Previous year about 90, 000 thousand of Polish tourist visited Georgia. It is 21,000 more than in 2018, a 32% increase! Today I’m waiting for the decision of Government in Tbilisi to add Poland to the list of “safe countries” (like Germany, Lithuania or France) to allow polish LOT airlines and other flight operators from Poland to land in the Georgian airports. We’re little bit concerned and disappointed that so important partner has been omitted and ignored in the decision of the 8th of July. I was told by two ministers that soon Poland will be placed at this list. Poland has less number of infection than Germany or France. Polish tourists bring Georgian economy (tourism sector) quite a good income. Lack of tourism is a serious loss for Georgian economy. And of course many Poles are waiting to come here to spend some time in the wonderful regions at the seaside or in the mountains.

Do you manage to travel around Georgia and which are your favorite places? Do you have any plans in this regard this summer?

I have visited almost all regions of Georgia during my last 3,5 year of presence here. There is no one specific place to distinct. I like many of them. Svaneti, Ajara, Kaheti and others. Particularly old monasteries and churches, castles and fortresses. I like Borjomi and Bakuriani as well as Gudauri in the winter time and the atmosphere around Kazbegi. Your country is beautiful.

How has the pandemic affected the work of the embassy and your plans?

We were forced to cancel many events, meetings and conferences. Polish Embassy plays o role of the Contact Point NATO in Tbilisi last two years. And its prolonged for next two. It’s the activity in the sphere of public diplomacy. Because of lockdown and COVID we had to limit this visible activity but didn’t stop other forms – like video conferences/ virtual meetings. We’ve prepared some special editions, articles and books about combating Russian propaganda, promoting European values, zoomed in on the Polish history. Of course pandemic has destroyed many of our plans but we haven’t lost our time shifting activity to other way of communication with Georgian audience.

Poland just had presidential elections that were due to be held on May 10, but were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as Georgia is getting prepared for the upcoming parliamentary elections what would be your suggestions in this regard?

Poland has used a number of solutions (postal vote for anyone afraid of voting in person, sanitary measures in polling stations, “fast lane” in queues for persons over 60, disabled and pregnant women) which allowed for safe and well-organized elections. Particularly second round of presidential election – last week – went smoothly. We have new elected President – Mr. Andrzej Duda in his second term. But the source of satisfaction remains very high since we have had almost 70% of the turnout. Democracy in Poland is stronger than ever.