With the general election a mere 14 days away, the People's Partnership (PP) is leading in five key marginal seats, while the People's National Movement (PNM) is leading in two.
Yesterday, the ongoing opinion tracking survey being conducted by New York-based pollster Dr Vishnu Bisram of the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (Nacta) revealed that the ruling PP is leading in Pointe-A-Pierre, Mayaro, Moruga/Tableland, San Juan/Barataria, and St Joseph. The Opposition PNM, Nacta said, was leading in San Fernando West and Tunapuna, since the final list of candidates was announced last weekend.
However, Nacta said, "In none of these seven seats has any party (candidate) crossed the 50 per cent magic mark to secure it, suggesting all the seats are still in contention and are likely to go down to the wire. An average of 18 per cent of the voters are still undecided and they may well determine the fate of the candidates (or parties.)"
Nacta pointed out that in the seven marginals listed, "the candidates of other parties and independents are trailing in these seats" and were set to lose their deposits.
The poll, which has a four per cent margin of error, interviewed an average of 120 likely voters in each constituency to reflect the demographic composition of the population.
The findings indicate that the PP/UNC is ahead in Pointe-A-Pierre by nine per cent, San Juan/Barataria by seven per cent, St Joseph by six per cent, Moruga by five per cent, and Mayaro by five per cent.
The PNM, Nacta said, was ahead in Tunapuna by five per cent and San Fernando West by seven per cent.
According to the release, in the UNC-held seat of Pointe-A-Pierre and Mayaro voters view newcomers Dr David Lee and Rushton Paray positively and are willing to give them a chance.
An earlier poll had showed that the seats were under threat of falling into the PNM's hands a month ago, as a result of neglect by the incumbents.
Nacta said in St Joseph, Vasanth Bharath was widely respected. The poll also said voters on both sides of the political divide were attracted to Bharath, who was on course to recapture the seat from Terrence Deyalsingh.
Voters said Clifton De Coteau had been servicing his constituency and they intended to re-elect him.
While voters claimed they did not regularly see incumbent MP Dr Fuad Khan, they said their "constituency has been serviced and that he has been a very good minister in one of the most challenging ministries."
In San Fernando West, voters were impressed with PNM challenger Faris Al-Rawi's "charm and intelligence." The poll said, "Razia Ahmed is putting up a challenge, but time is not on her side."
The PNM's Esmond Ford is viewed as a "roots guy" in Tunapuna, while the UNC's Wayne Munroe is working hard to play catch up.
The release said that marginals Chaguanas East and La Horquetta/Talparo were still being polled and those findings would be released in a follow-up report. Voter preference for prime minister and national support for the parties are also being polled.