The objective of this article is to depict the electoral rivalry in the Podhale region, as pertaining to the cultural division between cepry (non-highlanders) and górale (highlanders). Both groups are described both from a historical and a contemporary perspective. Consequently, the article analyses other factors contributing to the course of the 1991 electoral campaign in particular reference to the campaign of 1989. Finally, it describes the competitive activity of particular electoral committees based on local press articles and personal testimonials of participants.