Poll shows CPP surges ahead

...of NPP and NDC for 2008 presidential Race

A poll by Ghana Youth Movement shows Ghanaians embracing CPP as the party to address the needs of the people.
The results of the GYM poll said 61% of voters surveyed thought it was more for the flag bearer elected by CPP delegates to have “experience in negotiation and policy making”, especially with regards to negotiating with Multi National Oil giants, than someone who will accept any deal.
The results shows that if the Nkrumaists parties unite under the CPP banner under any of the declared 4 candidates for the flag bearer ship, their candidate can win would pull just under 40% as against 26% for NPP and 34% for NDC candidates.
The survey shows that a substantial number of Ghanaians, voters in the prime age range of 18yrs – 41yrs are more likely to vote for a CPP candidate who is not associated with past governments.
More than two-thirds of NPP leaning voters rate CPP’s policies on social development and job creation as better than the NPP and NDC policies on the same issues.
Among the CPP flag bearers, Akosa maintains his lead over Papa Kwesi Nduom by 5% points, though any of them can win the presidency for CPP. Akosa is the top picks for the voters, citing his commitment to CPP’s 7 Year Development Plan that envisages turning the country into an African tiger within a decade.
For the 20 NPP flag bearers, the survey pointed to lasting trouble among “soft” supporters. One in 2 would not vote for any of the aspirants under any circumstances. Many see the aspirants as tinted. Majority of the voters want all the NPP aspirants to declare their assets now and wait until after the flag bearer ship race.
As for Nana Akuffo Addo, the poll found no advancement despite his high profile. Also Vice President Aliu’s success in attracting core NPP supporters raises doubts about Nana Akuffo Addo’s drive to make inroads among voters outside Ashanti/Eastern Regions.
When NPP primary voters were asked to choose among the top four (Vice President Aliu, Nana Akuffo Addo, Alan Kyeremanten and Kwame Addo Kufuor) the field broke into 2 top ranks: Aliu 35%. Akuffo Addo 30%, Alan Kyeremanten 20% and Kwame Addo Kufuor 15%.
Among the CPP candidates, Papa Kwesi Nduom and Akosa are in joint lead of 40% each and Dr Osafo in distant third with 20%.
Papa Kwesi Nduom’s strong support among women, the youth and older voters has kept his lead in Central and Western Regions, where he is seen as a hero. He is running head to head with Akosa in all the regions.
One voter in Sekondi said “I believe Papa Kwesi and Agyeman Badu Akosa are right candidates to ensure accountability and transparency in government”. Majority of the voters who are undecided, the so called “floating voters” say they will consider voting for CPP flag bearer if the party bridge partisan divides among Nkrumaists under CPP banner.
The poll found no evidence of breakthrough by lesser known candidates (Hackman Owusu Agyeman, Apraku, Dan Botwe, Kobina Kennedy, Papa Owusu Ankomah, Dr Akwetey, Kofi Wayo)
Among all Candidates, Akosa/Nduom (CPP) finishes first with 40%, followed by Mills 34% and Aliu, 26%.
The poll of 2,500 registered voters (all regions) was conducted by telephone Wednesday through Saturday.