# First fully free elections (1991)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1991-first-fully-free-elections
Location: Poland

The first fully free parliamentary elections produced a highly fragmented Sejm with 29 parties. Within the broader Third Republic period: Democratic Poland transformed its economy, joined NATO and the European Union and became one of Europe's leading states, while confronting new security challenges on its eastern border. At this point in the timeline (27 October 1991), the governing authority was Lech Wałęsa (President of Poland). Solidarity leader and 1983 Nobel Peace laureate; first popularly elected President of Poland. First fully 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
First fully free elections mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood.

Ruler at the time: [Lech Wałęsa](https://poland-history.com/rulers/lech-walesa)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — 1991 Polish parliamentary election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Polish_parliamentary_election)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — First fully free elections](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=First+fully+free+elections)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland (1989–present) (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1989%E2%80%93present))