President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson now has almost as much support as his most viable opponent, Þóra Arnórsdóttir, a new poll shows.
While Þóra has been taking a break from her campaign to give birth to her new child – with initial polls showing her far ahead of the incumbent – Ólafur has gone on the offensive, saying that she would be “dangerous” for the country, while accusing the media of conspiring to boost her campaign.
As much criticism as his strategy has received, it appears to be working. In a poll conducted by Market and Media Research between May 10 and 15, 41% said they would vote for Ólafur again if elections were held today, while 43% said the same of Þóra. This is in sharp contrast to the double-digit lead she had over the president just weeks ago.
Demographically, there is a clear division of support along party lines. About 50% of Progressives and 62% of conservatives said they intended to vote for Ólafur, while 73% of Social Democrats and 62% of Leftist-Greens support Þóra. Also striking was the fact that only 3.3% said they intended to submit blank ballots or not vote at all – far fewer than said the same about next year’s parliamentary elections. From this, a high voter turn-out can be expected.
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