Changes take place on Moldova's political arena - Marian Lupu, the president of the Democratic Party (PD), took the lead in the popular approval ratings. According to a survey presented by CBS AXA and IDIS Viitorul on December 2, the leader of the PD is supported by 16.3% of the respondents, while the former head of state Vladimir Voronin by 15.8%, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Communist leader is followed by Prime Minister Vlad Filat with 7.6%, Mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca with 4.9% and Speaker Mihai Ghimpu with 2.1%. The data indicate a constant rise in the rating of Marian Lupu, a segmented rise in Vladimir Filat's rating and a significant decline in Vladimir Voronin's rating. CBS AXA director Ion Jigau said Marian Lupu's supporters are aged between 18 and 59 and have a higher standard of education, while those of the PCRM leader are aged mainly over 60 and have a lower standard of education. IDIS Viitorul director Igor Munteanu said the opinions expressed by the respondents show that the PCRM continues to top the rankings of political parties with 43%. The PDM comes next with 37%, the PLDM with 33%, the PL with 27% and the AMN with 15%. Also, 32% of those surveyed said they want Marian Lupu to be elected as head of state. About 65% said they are against early elections, while 34% said it is the PCRM that provokes early elections. 74% of the respondents said they would vote in favor of electing the head of state by direct vote if a referendum on the modification of the Constitution was held. The survey was carried out between November 2 and 11, 2009 and covered a sample of 1,090 persons aged 18 and over. The margin of error is 3%.