THE POLISH GENERAL-ELECTION OF 1993

Simply put, the ex-Communist parties eclipsed the post-Solidarity camp in the Polish general election of 1993. This result was by no means fortuitous, however. Economic hardships, a new electoral system, and social disillusionment with Solidarity leaders had in different ways contributed to a visible swing to the left-wing ex-Communist parties in the election. While the analysis prescribes no particular future for Polish politics, it is precipitate to suggest that a left-wing government means a Communist restoration. Similarly, to argue that the results spell catastrophe for the reform embarked on in 1989 is the counsel of despair. In fact, there are good reasons to believe that a free market economy and democracy will prosper in the ensuing years.