According to an exit poll released after voting ended on Sunday, Poland's opposition parties have likely won a majority in the country's parliamentary election.
The poll shows the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party garnering 36.8% of the vote, followed by the centrist Civic Coalition at 31.6%. Two other opposition groups, the Third Way and the Left, also cleared the threshold for seats in parliament.
Together, the three leading opposition parties hold 248 seats based on the exit poll results, compared to PiS's projected 200 seats. This would give them control of parliament and the ability to form a governing coalition.
The exit poll amounts to a major defeat for PiS, which has held power since 2015. PiS leader Jarosław Kazcyński admitted the result makes it uncertain whether his party can retain control of government.
The election capped a divisive campaign that saw PiS accuse the opposition of posing an existential threat to Poland's independence. The opposition warned that another PiS term would undermine democracy.
Turnout was a record 73% according to the exit polling. Official vote tallies are still being counted, but the opposition has pledged to closely monitor the process.
If confirmed, the result signals a dramatic political shift in Poland and could lead to improved relations with the EU. PiS has clashed with Brussels over accusations it violated democratic standards.