Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist Civic Coalition is conducting a primary vote on Friday to select a candidate for the upcoming presidential election slated for next year.

Party members are deliberating between Warsaw Mayor Rafa? Trzaskowski and Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski as potential nominees.

The victor of this primary will compete against several candidates in the presidential election scheduled for next spring. Although the specific date has yet to be revealed, the first round of voting is anticipated to take place in May, with a potential runoff occurring two weeks later if no candidate secures a clear majority in the first round.

President Andrzej Duda, the conservative incumbent, will conclude his second and final five-year term in August 2025, as the Polish constitution prohibits him from seeking re-election.

For Tusk, it is crucial that a supportive candidate wins the presidency, as this will significantly influence his ability to achieve his legislative goals. Currently, his efforts are largely stalled due to Duda’s veto powers.

Trzaskowski previously ran for the presidency in 2020, narrowly losing to Duda. He has generally been seen as the leading candidate for Tusk’s party but has recently faced competition from Sikorski.

Sikorski, who has held previous positions as both defense and foreign minister and maintains connections in Washington, claims his extensive experience in security and diplomacy gives him an edge over his opponent.

Adding to his platform, Sikorski received an endorsement this week from Aleksander Kwasniewski, a former popular leftist president.

Tusk is expected to announce the outcome of the Civic Coalition’s primary in Warsaw on Saturday morning.

The Civic Coalition includes Tusk’s party, Civic Platform, along with several smaller parties, including the Greens.