The leading political parties of Alberta are tied in popularity as an election approaches, according to a new poll.

The Abacus Data poll released on Monday shows the governing United Conservative Party and the New Democratic Party, the current lead opposition party, would both receive a vote from 35% of respondents.

One-in-five said they are undecided, a category which has grown considerably from detracted UCP voters.

Most who said they voted NDP in 2019 plan to do the same in 2023 (85%). When it comes to the UCP, many more past supporters are undecided (20%), or have switched to the NDP (12%) or other parties (2%).

“Those reluctant UCPers will decide the outcome of the provincial election,” wrote Abacus Data CEO David Coletto.

In an earlier Abacus Data poll from February, the UCP held a lead of 2 points.

The March poll of 700 Albertan adults was conducted between March 2nd and 4th.

The Alberta provincial election is scheduled for May 29th and would be the first election held since Danielle Smith became Premier last year following a leadership vote to replace Jason Kenney.

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