"In January next year, I will be a candidate for president of the Republic of Poland," Hołownia declared at a public meeting on Wednesday evening, marking the first time he confirmed that he was officially in the race.
"I have decided to run," Hołownia said, casting himself as a middle-of-the-road and "independent" contender.
"I want to be an independent candidate and an independent president," he told the gathering in Jędrzejów, south-central Poland.
While Hołownia is one of Poland's most trusted politicians, recent polls suggest he is not currently favoured to win the vote.
Other contenders in the race include far-right hopeful Sławomir Mentzen and conservative lawmaker Marek Jakubiak.
Poland's two largest parties have yet to announce their official presidential candidates.
The ruling Civic Coalition (KO) is conducting primaries, with Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski facing off against Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. The winner is expected to be announced on December 7.
Meanwhile, the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party plans to reveal its presidential contender in late November or early December.
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Source: IAR, PAP