SLD-UP coalition candidates to undergo judicial scrutiny prior to election

The Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) - Labor Union (UP) coalition has taken steps to ensure that none of its candidates in the forthcoming election is in trouble with the judicial authorities. According to an announcement made at a press conference yesterday by Krzysztof Janik from the SLD, the coalition has asked the general prosecutor, the head of the State Security Office (UOP) and the commander of the national police force to verify that its candidates are not currently facing legal proceedings against them. Janik said, "We would like the SLD-UP list that will be published by August 14 to be reviewed and verified from all sides." The review will cover 1,020 candidates, and according to Janik, it is a new advance in election procedures. Under Polish law there is no obligation on parties to seek verification of their lists of candidates standing for the Sejm or Senat. When asked by journalists what would be the consequences if someone was found to be facing criminal proceedings, the leaders of the coalition stated that it would be a reason for "a serious conversation with the candidate." (Rzeczpospolita, p. A5) P.W.