Both candidates in Poland’s presidential runoff election declared victory Sunday night, as preliminary exit polls showed a razor-thin margin separating them, highlighting one of the most competitive races in the country’s recent history.

According to exit poll results, pro-European Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski secured 50.3% of the vote, prompting him to tell supporters, “We have won,” in a confident claim of success.

Meanwhile, his rival Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian backed by the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party, also declared victory, saying, “Tonight we will win and save Poland,” in a speech to his campaign backers.

The closely fought election took place amid deep political divisions, with its outcome expected to have significant implications for Poland’s future within the European Union, as well as for key domestic issues such as judicial independence, civil liberties, and social policy.

Official results are expected within hours, as both domestic and international observers closely watch to see which candidate will ultimately emerge as Poland’s next president.