(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The Social Democratic Party (SDP) remains the top political organization in Finland, according to a poll by Suomen Gallup published in Helsingin Sanomat. 26 per cent of respondents would support the SDP in the next general election, a 1.8 per cent lead over the Finnish Centre Party (KESK).

The conservative National Rally (KOK) is third with 17.4 per cent, followed by the Left Wing League (VAS), the environmentalist Green League (VIHR) and the Christian-Democrats (KD). The next election is scheduled for March 2007.

Matti Vanhanen of the Finnish Centre Party (KESK) has been Finland's prime minister since Jun. 24, 2003, after Anneli Jaatteenmaki resigned. The present coalition government encompasses the KESK, the SDP and the Swedish People's Party.

On Mar. 19, the Helsinki District Court found Jaatteenmaki not guilty to breaching an official secrecy law, after using sensitive information provided by former presidential aide Martti Manninen in a March 2003 electoral debate. Manninen was fined $3,300 U.S. for his actions.

KOK chairman Ville Itala will not seek a new term as leader during the party's congress in June, and announced he would run as a candidate to the European Parliament. Marjo Matikainen-Kallstrom, Martin Saarikangas, Jari Vilen, and Jyrki Katainen have expressed interest in replacing Itala.

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