Voter Motivations Across Polish Parties According to CBOS Surveys
A CBOS analysis shows varying reasons why voters align with different coalitions. Among those backing the ruling coalition, 30.6 percent cited a generally positive view of the government as the main reason to support the coalition, while 40.6 percent of Civic Coalition voters indicated a desire to remove the current government from power. An additional 14.6 percent of United Right supporters said they trust the politicians as credible and honest and believe they deliver on campaign promises.
Other drivers include 10.4 percent of respondents voting for PiS because they feel the party cares about families, children, and young people; 9.2 percent cite concern for ordinary, often poorer, citizens; 8.2 percent are satisfied with their living conditions under the current rule; 8 percent highlight strong social benefit programs and higher salaries; 7.6 percent say the party’s retirees’ policies are appealing or that retirement age reductions matter; and 6.7 percent stress that the ZP platform resonates with their worldview.
For Civic Coalition voters, the top motive cited by 40.6 percent is the aim to remove PiS from power, while 16 percent feel KO’s program aligns with their worldview.
About 12.3 percent plan to vote for KO because they view it as the lesser evil, and 11.4 percent regard KO politicians as the most credible and honest and as those who would implement campaign pledges. Ten point three percent are pro-European, hoping to improve relations with the EU and the country’s standing abroad. Seven point one percent believe KO will safeguard civil liberties, democracy, and the rule of law.
How Confederation Supporters Vote
Confederation supporters most often say their worldview aligns with the party program (30.2 percent). Twenty-six point four percent feel the Confederation can introduce something new to Polish politics because it is outside the established system and is led by relatively young figures. Ten point four percent vote for the Confederation due to liberal economic policies, while nine point eight percent expect better economic conditions nationally.
Among Third Way supporters, 40 percent will vote for it because its platform matches their worldview. Twenty-two percent hope the coalition will bring fresh perspectives beyond the PiS-PO duo. Ten point three percent vote for the Third Way due to limited alternatives and view it as the lesser evil. About seven percent believe the country’s economy will improve under this option.
Left-leaning Voters’ Motivations
The left attracts voters primarily because its worldview aligns with their own, a reason cited by 31.9 percent. Twenty-one percent see it as the most progressive option that would advance the rights of women and the LGBT community. Eleven point six percent believe left-wing politicians are the most credible and honest and will carry out their campaign pledges. Seven point six percent say PiS must be removed from power, and seven point one percent think the left would care for ordinary people.
Two surveys titled “Current Issues and Events” (numbers 399 and 400) used a mixed-method, representative sample of adult residents listed in the PESEL register. The first survey occurred from July 3 to July 16, 2023, with a sample of 1,004, including 63.2 percent via CAPI, 21.6 percent via CATI, and 15.2 percent via CAWI. The second survey ran from August 14 to 27, 2023, with 1,024 respondents, including 61.9 percent via CAPI, 24.8 percent via CATI, and 13.3 percent via CAWI. CBOS has conducted statutory investigations since May 2020 following the described procedure, combining face-to-face, telephone, and online interviews.
SEE ALSO: RESEARCH. PiS leads; KO approaches 30 percent; Third Way near electoral threshold. A strong showing for the left.
edy/PAP