Poland’s presidential election will determine whether the country can restore the rule of law and remain a reliable partner in the European Union after nearly a decade of divisive right-wing populist rule.

Power in Poland rests primarily with the prime minister and parliament. But the president wields real influence by signing laws into force, or vetoing them, appointing judges and ambassadors, and helping to shape foreign policy. Presidents can rarely impose their own agenda, but they can certainly frustrate the government’s.

The most populous Eastern European member states in the European Union—Poland and Romania—will hold presidential elections on May 18 that have implications for the state of democracy and EU