FINNISH VOTE Support grows for centre-left coalition to continue - poll |
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Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:28
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HELSINKI (AFX) - Finns are increasingly in favour a continuation of the centre-left coalition government over alternative arrangements, according to a fresh poll published ahead of Sunday's parliamentary elections.The poll, commissioned by the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper, shows 43 pct of respondents would prefer a government made up of Centre Party and Social Democrats, up from 41 pct as recorded by a similar survey last month.The two parties have governed, together with the tiny Swedish People's Party, since 2003.Some 24 pct of respondents gave their backing to a centre-right government composed of the Centre Party and the opposition National Coalition Party, down from 26 pct in February.Meanwhile, some 16 pct said they favour a left-right cabinet made of the Social Democrats and National Coalition Party.This year's contest is expected to be a closely fought affair, with polls showing support for the Centre Party at just over 23 pct, giving it the narrowest of leads over its two biggest rivals.None of three main contenders has indicated which parties it would seek to collaborate with if it wins.In the last general election in 2003, the Centre Party won by just 6,000 votes, and in 1999 the Social Democrats won by a margin of 10,000.james.etheridge@thomson.comje/tcCOPYRIGHTCopyright AFX News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited
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Finnish government leads ahead of March election - poll 