The bipolar political system is well and truly back, perhaps to stay. The AKEL internal poll points to a clear lead for traditional system parties AKEL and DISY, with the volatile setting an unknown factor and the low approval ratings of President Christodoulides, after more than two years in office, being the main findings.

In the poll, conducted in July and significantly prior to the deadly Limassol fires, only AKEL and the National Popular Front, ELAM, seem to be enjoying a high rallying percentage, near 70%. Almost one in two of the 1000 participants said they will abstain, with a third still undecided. ELAM seems to be locking in to third place in the polls, while the Democratic Party is struggling to secure a double digit percentage, at some distance behind newly formed ALMA. Out of the smaller parties, Volt seems to be much closer to a seat.

Volatility

The internal poll capture a great degree of volatility in the political setting, with the abstention rate as high as 45, while out of the one third undecided, an even larger number are not even sure who to vote for.

AKEL and the Democratic Rally secure 20-23% of the vote, with ELAM a strong third, ranging from 15-17% and newly formed ALMA of former Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides polling at 12-15. DIKO is working hard to keep its double digits, running, according to the AKEL poll, at 8-10%, while Volt, Socialist EDEK, DIPA and the Greens are the fourth tier. Volt, securing 3.5-4% is the most likely to enter parliament in 8 months, with the rest under the 2% threshold.

Government popularity

Two out of three participants in the AKEL poll reject the Christodoulides policies, with only 26% being positive. 90% of the AKEL voters are negative, while 55% out of those who voted for the incumbent, are not satisfied any more. 72% of participants are dissatisfied with the way the President is running the country.

It is important to note that the poll results are just an early indication, parties have not yet presented their candidates or even possible lists, while new movements are the great unknown.

parties

AKEL and DISY out in front according to left wing party poll, ELAM a strong third

One in two might abstain and a third remains undecided, as the Christodoulides approval ratings plummet

NEWSPULSE