Five Terms of the Polish Parliament, 1989-2005

During the initial post-communist decade, the Polish Sejm, with a limited Senate, has been the major centre of constitution preparation, government support, party formation and policy decisions. Each government has been defeated in succeeding elections, parties are unstable and election law is continuously revised. Continued high turnover of members leads to inexperienced committee members and chairpersons. The government and ministries also experience member turnover and structural instability. Although the democratic state now has a stable constitutional foundation, the system of parliamentary and governmental institutions has not been fully stabilised and consolidated.