# Semi-free elections (1989)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1989-semi-free-elections
Location: Poland
Categories: main-event

In the elections of 4 June 1989 Solidarity won 160 of the 161 contested Sejm seats and 99 of the 100 Senate seats, a stunning defeat for the communists. Within the broader People'S Republic period: Shifted westward and placed under communist rule, Poland rebuilt from the war but repeatedly rose against the regime, until the Solidarity movement forced a negotiated transition in 1989. At this point in the timeline (4 June 1989), the governing authority was Wojciech Jaruzelski (First Secretary of the PZPR; Chairman of the Council of State; President of Poland). General who imposed martial law in 1981 and later negotiated the transition; President 1989–1990. Semi-free elections mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
Semi-free elections mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood.

Ruler at the time: [Wojciech Jaruzelski](https://poland-history.com/rulers/wojciech-jaruzelski)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — 1989 Polish parliamentary election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_Polish_parliamentary_election)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Semi-free elections](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Semi-free+elections)
- [Wikipedia — Polish People's Republic (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_People's_Republic)