The reform of the local self-government in 1998 resulted in structural as well as institutional changes. Poland was divided according to three-tier division of local government into communes(gminas), counties(poviats) and voivodships(regions) and local self-government was introduced on the three levels. A new electoral ordinance to the councils of communes, counties and voivodships was passed and the election was held according to the ordinance. This bill, though after numerous alterations, was in force until 2010 when it was the basis of the elections for the local self government for the last time.
The aim of the paper is to show trends in regional elections in Poland. I analyzes electoral results in 16 voivodships. I use various indicators: effective number of parties (Laakso and Taagepera); aggregation index (Mayer); proportional index (Rae); index of competition. The result of the research would be useful for forming conclusions about trends in local government councils in Poland. As far as the level is concerned, it can be placed in second-order election trend. The voter turnout is higher than in the elections for the European Parliament. The participation of women in the elections for the local self-government has been higher in consecutive elections but has not translated proportionally into the votes gained by the women.
