Polls indicate popular support for President's wife as President elect

According to the latest public opinion poll, Jolanta Kwasniewska, wife of the current President, could have counted on 30% support in presidential elections if they were to have taken place last month. Leader of the Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) Leszek Miller would gain 14% of votes, while Andrzej Olechowski of the Civic Platform (PO) 12%. Whether Kwasniewska, who is recognized largely for her charity work, will take part in the 2005 presidential elections remains unclear, as much depends on her husband's decision to head SLD. It is certain that Miller will not run for President. Olechowski issued a statement promising to make a final decision about his future presidential ambitions in 2 years. Andrzej Lepper of the Samoobrona Committee (KSPL) came fourth in the poll. According to Rzeczpospolita, it is likely Lepper will run for the presidential seat in the next elections. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A4) M.T.K.