Here's why:

* Electronegativity: Polonium has a high electronegativity (2.0), making it prone to gaining electrons.

* Metallic Character: Polonium is a metalloid, and metalloids tend to form ionic bonds with nonmetals.

* Ionization Energy: Polonium has a relatively low ionization energy, which means it readily loses electrons to form cations.

Therefore, polonium is more likely to form ionic bonds with other elements, especially nonmetals, by gaining electrons to achieve a stable octet configuration.

However, it's important to note that some exceptions exist:

* Polonium can also form covalent bonds with elements that have similar electronegativity, such as other metalloids or nonmetals.

* The nature of the bond (ionic or covalent) can also depend on the specific compound and reaction conditions.

Overall, while polonium is generally considered to form ionic bonds, its bonding behavior can be complex and influenced by various factors.