The SMC polled at 28.6%, level on the month before, while the runner-up, the Democrats (SDS), lost almost four points to 11.2%.

The United Left (ZL), the biggest surprise of the election, went from almost nothing a month ago to 7.7%, significantly better than its election result.

The New Slovenia (NSi) surged nearly four points to 6.5% and the Social Democrats (SD) gained a point and a half to 5.3%.

The Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) lost almost a point to 3.8%, a result at odds with the 10%-plus it won in the 13 July election.

Likewise, the Alenka Bratušek Alliance (ZaAB) saw its rating halved to 2%.

Surprisingly, the People's Party (SLS) surged to 4.2% from 1.2% after failing to make it to parliament.

SMC leader Miro Cerar remains the most popular politician after he overtook President Borut Pahor last month.

NSi leader Ljudmila Novak recorded the biggest gain and is now in 8th place while Alenka Bratušek, the outgoing prime minister, saw the biggest drop and is last on the 20-person list.

In the accompanying front-page comment "August Lessons" Delo notes that the results could be skewed due to the absence of a large number of people who are on holiday.

But it says they show the people are keeping a close eye on what is going on post-election.

The fall of the ZaAB and DeSUS is the consequence of the "escapades" of their leaders regarding Slovenia's commissioner post.

The ZL and NSi are being awarded, respectively, for their likeable role in the opposition and growing credibility.

The SDS, on the other hand, is losing ground for having become a party with a singular mission: defending their leader, according to the commentary.

The poll was conducted 4-7 August and involved 603 respondents.