Warsaw, Poland - Poles voted in Sunday's presidential election, amid security concerns arising from the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine and growing concerns that the U.S. commitment to security in Europe could be weakened under President Donald Trump.

The first two leaders are Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who has formed a liberal alliance with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, while conservative historian Karol Nawrocki has no previous political experience and has been supported by the state's conservative law and judicial party.

Recent polls show that Trzaskowski received about 30% support and Nawrocki in the mid-20s. A second round between the two is expected to take place on June 1.

Elections are also a test of the strength of other forces, including the far right.

Sławomir Mentzen is a strong candidate who blends populist Maga's speech with liberal economics and has been in third place in key positions on the EU.

The votes are among the other ten candidates. With such a crowded field and requiring candidates to get over 50% of the votes to win, the second round seems almost inevitable.

The polling station is open at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) and is closed at 9 p.m. (1900 gmt). The exit poll will be published at the end of the vote and the results are expected on Tuesday (probably Monday).

Polish authorities reported attempts to intervene during the campaign, including a denial of service attack against parties in the Tusk coalition on Friday, and alleged a state research institute that political ads on Facebook were funded from abroad.

Although the Polish Prime Minister and Parliament hold major powers over domestic policy, the Presidential Palace has substantial powers. The president serves as commander of the armed forces, plays a role in foreign and security policies and can veto legislation.

The Conservative outgoing President Andrzej Duda repeatedly used this power to hinder Tusk's agenda, such as blocking ambassador nominations and using his veto to resist judicial and media changes made during the law and justice period during the second half of 2015 to the second half of 2023.

It can be expected that Trzaskowski's victory will end such a stalemate. He has pledged to support reforms in the courts and public media, both politicized under law and justice. Tusk's opponents said he also politicized the public media.

Nawrocki, who leads the National Academy of History, positioned himself as a defender of conservative values ​​and national sovereignty.