From Iceland — Most Icelanders Still Dissatisfied With All Political Parties

Most Icelanders Still Dissatisfied With All Political Parties

Published February 28, 2011

General voter dissatisfaction is still strong among Icelanders, and does not seem to be reserved for one party alone.
According to a poll conducted by television station Stöð 2 and the newspaper Fréttablaðið, only 52.5% of those who took part even indicated what party they intended to vote for. Furthermore, 22% said they either didn’t intend to vote, or would submit blank ballots.
Of those planning to vote for a particular party, support was highest among the Independence Party, at 41.2%, down from 43.4% on 19 January. This total would translate to 28 seats in Iceland’s 63-seat parliament; a significant increase from the 16 seats the part currently has.
Support for the Social Democrats remains nearly unchanged – at 26% – remaining more or less steady not only from the last poll, but also only down slightly from the 2009 elections, when they won 29.8% of the vote. This would nonetheless take them down from 20 MPs to 17 today.
Support for the Leftist-Greens also dipped slightly, from 16.5% to 15.7%, both of which are well under what they won two years ago, when they achieved 21.7% of the electorate. This would give them ten MPs; down from the 15 they have today.
Support for the Progressives remains almost static, with 11.7% now and 11.8% from the last poll. The Progressives did manage to win 14.8% during the previous elections, winning nine seats, but would lose one of those if elections were held today.
The Movement remains in a weaker position now than they had two years ago. Only 3.6% said they would vote for the party if elections were held today, however, this is up from 1.5% last January. They also came in at 3.6% in February 2010. Nonetheless, if elections were held today, the party would lose all four of the seats they currently have.
In summary, if elections were held today, the Independence Party would lead the government, in coalition with another party.

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