/ 19 December 2008

Survey shows backing for opposition parties

Opposition parties, including the Congress of the People (Cope), could obtain as much as 40% of combined votes in next year’s general election, according to a survey, the Mercury newspaper reported.

The results of the Ispos Markinor poll, which were released this week, suggest that the African National Congress (ANC) would no longer dominate the political landscape.

It found that many South Africans, mainly men between the ages of 20 and 40, supported a new party like Cope.

The study also found that about a third (28%) of voters believed democracy would be ”enhanced” if there was an ”efficient” breakaway party from the ANC.

While 15% of ANC supporters said they were unhappy with their party, they would vote for the ANC if elections were held ”tomorrow”. — Sapa