As Poland's presidential race reaches its climax this weekend, much has been said about the country's political divide. Many suggest that voters are deeply split over the direction Poland should take, with debates centered on whether Poland should be "modern" or traditional, eucentric or independent, secular or religious. Equally, both Polish and foreign media has played up the socio-economic differences between voters. In some cases the media has pitted urban against rural, free market beneficiaries against post-transition losers, young against old.

Interestingly, Poland's political divide is also felt across the Atlantic. The Polish diaspora in the US and Canada, numbering approximately 12 million, voted overwhelmingly for Jarosław Kaczyński in the first round. Many are conservative and fled Poland after 1945 due to their anti-communist beliefs and continue to feel resentment towards the embedded remnants of the former Party system. Most felt Kaczyński was the better candidate to represent Poland and preserve its national interests. This has angered some who question the validity and right of those living outside Poland (most on a permanent basis) to vote on its future political leadership.

These internal divisions create unnecessary noise, and mean participants miss the bigger picture. Poles have an enormous amount to gain and lose in this election. Amid the personal jabs and political squabbles there are difficult policy choices on the horizon, related to: public debt, national security, EU relations and euro adoption, energy policy, the economy, pensions, healthcare and education reform. They will affect each and every citizen across the political spectrum for years (perhaps generations) to come.

It is imperative that Polish voters show some sophistication and vote on the substantive issues, the candidates' platforms and ultimately for the candidate that will help lead Poland into a more secure and prosperous future. I am sure at least on this point we can all agree.