THE GOVERNING People's National Party (PNP) has flipped the script and gained a slight edge in popular support among registered voters over the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
According to the findings of the latest Gleaner-commissioned Don Anderson poll, the PNP leads the JLP by just over two percentage points, a reversal of the two per cent lead, held by the JLP last year.
The PNP garnered 30.5 per cent support from registered voters while 28.4 per cent of voters said they would vote for the JLP.
"This represents a fall-off of some 1.9 percentage points for the PNP and a gain of some 3.9 percentage points for the JLP," said pollster, Don Anderson in his analysis.
A similar poll conducted in July last year had the JLP ahead by two percentage points. However, with a plus or minus three per cent margin of error, both the JLP's 2004 lead and the more recent PNP lead amounted to a statistical dead heat.
According to the latest poll, the PNP's strength lies primarily among middle and lower income persons, more females, and from persons in the 25 to 44 age group.
"The JLP is strongest among males, younger persons and amongst the upper income and low income persons," Anderson said.
The survey, conducted by Anderson and his team from Market Research Services Ltd., took place between June 2 and 20, last month. Interviews were conducted islandwide with a nationally representative sample of 1,037 persons, aged 18 years and over.
Of those who said they would vote for the PNP, 35 per cent said 'the PNP Government is doing a great job running the country'. Another 22.7 per cent said they were loyal to the party; 17.7 per cent said the PNP is best for the country and 7.2 per cent said they need a woman to run the country.
CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT
The PNP's Portia Simpson Miller is the only potential female candidate for the leadership of the country after the next general election, constitutionally due in 2007.
Those supporting the JLP primarily said the country needs a change of government (66 per cent) and that the JLP is the best party to lead the country (11 per cent).
In August last year the results of the July 2004 Don Anderson poll showed the JLP leading the PNP with 28 per cent support compared to the PNP's 24 per cent.
