Tough-talking Warsaw mayor Lech Kaczynski of the socially conservative Law and Justice Party came from behind to win Poland's presidential runoff, propelled to victory with the support of the nation's poorer voters and farmers. With 91% of the votes counted from Sunday's runoff, Kaczynski led rival Donald Tusk of the pro-market Civic Platform party, 55.5% to 44.5%, according to the State Election Commission.
Kaczynski's victory clears the way for the start of coalition talks Monday between the two right-of-center parties that are allies and have said they intend to form a government together after winning a combined majority in the September 25 parliamentary election. The 56-year-old Kaczynski is to be sworn in as president on December 23.
Kaczynski has angered many gay rights activists around the world by condemning homosexuality and twice blocking a gay pride parade through Warsaw. (AP)
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