Plans to hold elections in Poland this June were thrown into doubt Wednesday after comments from a senior member of the ruling Democratic Left Alliance.
Marek Dyduch, the party's secretary-general, was quoted by the PAP news agency as saying a referendum ratifying the European constitution, which the government wants to hold simultaneously with the elections, is a top priority in Polish politics.
The government does not want to hold the elections until October, saying a June date would be too early for the referendum.
"We promised (early elections) back in 2001 ... when there was meant to be a normal Poland... now Poland isn't normal, all thanks to the right," Dyduch was quoted as saying.
Rightist parties are unhappy with the European constitution and want it to be re-negotiated. The issue has provoked heated debate between right- and left-wing parties.
Rightists have a strong lead in the polls and look certain to win any June election. They accuse the government of trying to delay the election in hopes of picking up support.
© Copyright 2005 by United Press International
