PCRM still leads in polls, but support declines

If legislative elections were held next Sunday, the Party of Communists (PCRM) would poll 45.4% of popular vote, yet its support is on the decrease, according to the results of the Public Opinion Barometer (BOP) published today. BOP indicates that this is PCRM’s lowest rating since it became the ruling party in 2001. Previous barometers showed PCRM’s support decreased from 73% in March 2002 to 48% in May 2007. Moldova Noastra Alliance Party would now poll 14.9% compared to 12% in May 2007. Other parties that would enter Parliament would be the Social Liberal Party – 7% (compared to 6% in May), the Christian Democratic People’s Party – 6.7% (10 % in May), the Liberal Party – 6.4% (4% in May), the Democratic Party – 6.3% (6% in May), and the Social Democratic Party – 4.8% (4%). Vladimir Voronin, the leader of the Communists and the President of Moldova, still enjoys the highest confidence among the population – 43.6%, yet, according to BOP, this is his lowest performance since he took office. The President is followed closely by Prime-Minister Vasile Tarlev with 40% (41.7% in May). The following are Chisinau Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca – 29% (17%) and Speaker Marian Lupu – 28.7% (31.4%). Data collection for BOP was carried out from October 29 to November 5 on a sample of 1415 persons. The margin of error is 2.6%. The Barometer was organised by the Public Policy Institute and conducted by IMAS-INC Marketing and Survey Institute. The correctness of the sampling was verified by CBS-AXA Company.