Support for the Government is becoming polarised on racial lines under Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, according to the latest opinion polls, which show backing among black voters is up by 36 percent.

An independent survey for The Royal Gazette reveals that Government is picking up 62.9 percent of the black vote, with only 9.5 percent supporting the Opposition United Bermuda Party.

In contrast, among white voters only 1.6 percent favour the Progressive Labour Party, with 64.1 percent pro-UBP.

The last voter survey in March revealed the Government had 46.1 percent of black voters’ confidence, and the UBP 10.5 percent. Eight percent of white voters supported the PLP and 53.6 percent the UBP.

The latest opinion poll therefore suggests that Government policies are isolating white voters but appealing to the black population.

Last night, former PLP Senator Calvin Smith said it would be wrong to read much into the results. Mr. Smith suggested they showed more people were simply stating their support for their own party with an election expected soon.

“Ewart has probably helped to stimulate blacks, but somebody has helped to stimulate whites in the UBP as well,” he said.

Mr. Smith predicted black support for the PLP would increase following the passing away of Dame Lois Browne Evans.

He explained: “There will be a lot of information about what she did, through the media and talk shows, but mainly because black people are visiting relatives and friends.”

The figures also reveal the PLP is widening its lead over the UBP, despite statistics which suggest the Premier’s popularity is slipping — in January, nearly 48 percent approved of him as Premier, a figure which has now fallen to 45.4 percent.

If there was an election tomorrow, 38.7 percent of the population would vote for the Government and 28.3 percent the UBP.

PLP support has risen another 8.6 per cent, from 30.1 percent in March, while the UBP is trailing with a gain of only 4.1 percent since its 24.2 percent rating two months ago. UBP support is now at 28.3 percent.

The PLP also has the youth vote, with 45.9 percent — almost half — of 18-35-year-olds supporting the Government. In contrast, the UBP only attracts 8.1 percent of their support.

A year ago this stood at 39.7 percent pro-PLP and 24.4 percent favouring the UBP.

Opinion polls in March, 2007, showed 42.2 percent of under-35s backing the Government and 14.1 percent favouring the Opposition. Among 36-54-year-olds, 44.4 percent support the PLP with UBP leanings more steady at 30.5 percent. The over-55s are more supportive of the UBP, at 37.7 percent, and only 21.7 percent willing to vote PLP.

Two months ago, 31.9 percent of the middle-aged favoured the Government and 19.3 percent the Opposition, while 33.8 percent of the over-55s were pro-UBP and 22.8 percent pro-UBP.

The figures therefore reveal that support for the UBP since Michael Dunkley became Party leader is falling.

There are also signs that the population is becoming more passionate about politics — perhaps a result of the growing split along racial lines.

A disturbing 18.9 percent of the younger generation are apathetic when it comes to politics, with a fifth saying they would abstain from the ballot box.

That figure among the general population is a tenth, at 9.9 percent — slightly less than the 13.4 percent reported in March, suggesting the population as a whole is becoming less apathetic.

Both parties declined to comment last night.

The Research Innovations Poll surveyed 405 people between May 20-22 and has a margin of error of 4.9 percent.