Geopolitical aspect of reforming the polish senate

Abstract

The Senate is the upper house of the Polish parliament, which has relatively small powers in comparison with the lower house - the Sejm. In the world, only a few countries are electing the second chamber in direct elections, which is the case in Poland with the use of the majoritarian voting system. In the public debate, there is a discussion about changing the manner in which the Senate is elected and the scope of its competencies. The Senate has a long tradition in Poland. In the current formula, with the use of 100 single-member constituencies, it has been operating since 2011. Among the possible directions of changes, it is possible to indicate a switch in the electoral law from a majoritarian system to a proportional system or complete abolition of elections to the Senate. Instead, the composition of the chamber could be appointed by local government bodies, in particular the provincial government, or by appointment by the president or the Sejm. The chamber could include "senators for life" - people of merit for the country and former presidents and possibly prime ministers.