In recent days, there has been a series of acts of vandalism involving the destruction of Rafał Trzaskowski’s campaign materials. According to the local Koalicja Obywatelska campaign headquarters, at least several dozen election banners put up in various parts of the city and county have already been damaged or completely destroyed.
According to information provided by the campaign headquarters, the incidents have been recorded in many locations, and the perpetrators are acting deliberately—they destroy or take down banners, or paint over them. The illustrative photograph accompanying this article shows four young men who damaged campaign materials on Kościuszki Street. They were recorded by surveillance cameras installed at Zakłady Ceramiczne Bolesławiec.
It is worth remembering that destroying election posters is not only a sign of disrespect for democracy and participants in the electoral process, but also a punishable offence. Pursuant to Article 67 § 1 of the Code of Petty Offences, “anyone who damages or removes a public notice displayed by a state or local-government institution or a social organisation is subject to arrest or a fine.” In court proceedings, the fine may be as high as PLN 5,000, while a ticket issued by the police for this offence may amount to PLN 500.
The police are appealing to residents to report cases of election materials being destroyed.
During an election campaign, emotions can run high; however, every citizen should remember that respect for the law and democracy is the foundation of fair political competition.