SLD urges supporters to turn out for vote and ensure overall majority

The Democratic Left Alliance, seeking a strong mandate for urgently-needed reforms, has appealed to voters to turn their attention away from last week's attacks on the US and back to Sunday's general election. Although the SLD is assured of victory, opinion polls have shown that its support has slipped below the 50% mark leader Leszek Miller says he needs to get Poland out of its economic crisis and into the European Union (EU). "With 50% support we would be able to govern more effectively and not lose time," Miller told supporters in the western city of Poznan. "Right now, Poland cannot afford to lose time." A recent voters' poll by the Social Research Workshop (PBS) puts backing for the SLD at 47%, still enough to win 244 seats in the 460-seat Sejm. However, any further slip could force the SLD to seek a coalition partner. (Reuters)