Center for Studies of Contemporary Reality (CERC) poll reveals equal rates of approval and disapproval for Bachelet's government

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SANTIAGO.- For the first time, the CERC poll showed a virtual tie between the approval and disapproval rates for President Michelle Bachelet's administration this morning.

According to the survey, the Chief of State has a 46% approval rate among the population, while 45% of the country disapproves of her performance.

The previous poll, taken in October 2007, had indicated an approval rate of 48%, while the rate of disapproval was at 44%.

Sebastián Piñera continues to lead as the politician with the brightest future, registering 49% of voter preference. This figure is four percentage points higher than his rating from the previous poll.

Coming in second was Christian Democracy leader Soledad Alvear, registering 29%. Following Alvear was ex-presidential candidate for the Alliance, Joaquín Lavín with 20%. José Miguel Insulza and Ricardo Lagos Escobar were listed in 4th and 5th place, receiving preference rates of 15% and 14% respectively.