Walesa's defeat surprised many in the West who failed to appreciate how unpopular he had become at home. Nonetheless, the era continues to cast a shadow over polish political life. Shortly after the election, a new constitution came into force having been adopted by the Sejm and by popular referendum some months earlier. EU negotiations proceed apace, with some problems concerning subsidies for Poland's substantial agricultural sector, free labour movement and the country's poor record on pollution. Under the new constitution which came into force in October 1997, legislative power in Poland is vested in a bicameral national assembly.
Elections are by proportional representation.