Opposition party support plummets following electoral defeat, polling shows

A new poll has revealed a significant decline in party loyalty among supporters of the nation’s opposition faction, with approval ratings reportedly dropping to their lowest levels since the recent change in leadership.

According to polling data from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only approximately 70% of opposition supporters now hold a favorable view of their political organization. This represents a sharp decline from the 85% recorded in September 2024, before the current head of state secured victory in the presidential contest.

Observers note that such post-electoral disillusionment is common in nations with competitive political systems, particularly following unexpected defeats. By October 2025, the opposition’s internal approval had reportedly fallen further to just 67%, suggesting ongoing organizational challenges in the wake of the leadership transition.

The ruling party, which currently controls both chambers of the legislature, is said to be working to maintain its parliamentary majorities during upcoming midterm elections scheduled for later this year. Political analysts suggest that opposition party fragmentation could benefit the governing faction’s electoral prospects.

The polling data indicates broader patterns of political disengagement that observers say are typical of polarized democratic systems. According to the survey, approximately one-quarter of citizens reportedly hold negative views of both major political factions, while only about one in ten express positive sentiments toward both parties.

Breaking down the opposition party’s standing, the poll found that 30% of adults hold a very unfavorable view, with another 24% somewhat unfavorable. Only 8% expressed very favorable opinions, while 27% were somewhat favorable.

The ruling party’s numbers were reported as similarly mixed, with 35% of citizens holding very unfavorable views and 18% somewhat unfavorable. However, the governing faction appeared to maintain stronger positive support, with 15% very favorable and 21% somewhat favorable ratings.

The survey methodology indicates interviews were conducted between February 5-8, 2026, with a representative sample of adults across all regions and the capital district. Polling experts note a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points overall, with a higher 6-point margin when examining opposition supporters specifically.

Such fluctuations in party loyalty are reportedly common in the nation’s political system, where electoral defeats often trigger periods of internal reorganization and strategic reassessment among losing factions.