Political Newcomers Steadily Climbing In Polls

A new Gallup poll shows that a party formed only earlier this year may be set to overtake several established parties in the run-up to next month’s elections.

RÚV reports that, according to the results of a Gallup poll conducted from August 31 to September 14, the Independence Party and the Pirate Party remain in a comfortable lead ahead of all other parties, but their support has been declining. The Independence Party is at 25.5% and the Pirates are at 23.1%, in both cases down a few points from the previous Gallup poll.

The Progressive Party, which leads the ruling coalition with the Independence Party, has seen a small upwards blip in support, but is still in the single-digits at 9.4%. The Left-Greens remain the second-largest opposition party, at 13.5%, but this is down from 16% in the previous poll. Meanwhile, the Social Democrats are at 8.8%, while Bright Future is at 2.9%, and the latter is not polling high enough to win a seat in parliament if elections were held today.

However, Viðreisn – a centre-right party formed earlier this year – continues its slow but steady increase in support, and is now at 12.2%. As such, it has already surpassed several parliamentary parties and may soon overtake the Left-Greens, if the current trending continues.

Apart from these results, 11% of respondents had no opinion or would not disclose which party they were supporting, while 7% said they intend to submit a blank ballot or not vote at all.