Yesterday Poland's parliament approved a bill to allow the EU accession referendum to be held over two days. Foreign Minister Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz said a two-day referendum would ensure a higher turnout, which is crucial for securing a yes vote.

A recent public opinion poll showed support for joining the EU is strong at 70%, but government officials and analysts say many EU supporters may not show up at the polls. President Aleksander Kwasniewski said he would make his final decision on two-day ballot once he was confident that the Electoral Commission had taken firm measures to prevent any possible overnight ballot fraud.

The tentative referendum date is June 8.