Radek Pietruszka/PAP

President Andrzej Duda has told the first session of the new Polish parliament that democracy in the country has never been stronger.

The Sejm, the lower house of the Polish parliament, convened on Monday for the first time since October 15’s general election.

“Democracy in Poland has never stood this strong,” Duda said. “It is without doubt the strongest it’s been in all of our history,” he added in reference to the 74-percent turnout, the highest for a parliamentary election since 1919.

Duda added that even though the Polish people disagree on many issues, the important thing is that they settle disputes at the ballot box.

This is “the essence of democracy and the great success of recent years,” he said, adding that the Polish people had started to believe once again that their vote counts.

“This is demonstrated by the increasing attendance from year to year,” Duda said.