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Taipei, March 5 (CNA) Two new public opinion polls have found that the ongoing presidential race remain very tight, with the three leading candidates still running neck-and-neck.

The results of a telephone survey of 1,232 adults, conducted from March 2-3 by the Republic of China Industrial Development Research Association, show that if the election were to take place the following day, 25.8 percent of the respondents would vote for ruling Kuomintang candidate Lien Chan.

Another 22 percent said they would throw support behind opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) nominee Chen Shui-bian, and 20 percent said they opt for independent hopeful James Soong.

Meanwhile, a similar survey of 1,098 eligible voters, conducted by the Mingyu Cultural Foundation from March 2-3, found that if the election were to be held right now, 24.1 percent would vote for Lien, 22.1 percent for Chen and 21.7 percent for Soong.

As the gaps in the three main contenders' support ratings in the two surveys fall within the margin of statistical error, analysts said it remains uncertain who would be the final victor of the March 18 election.

The Mingyu foundation poll also found that 48.1 percent of those interviewed said they think that if DPP's Chen manages to win the upcoming election, a military confrontation across the Taiwan Strait may erupt. Another 51.9 percent either said "they think otherwise" or said "they don't know."

Chinese Culture University professor Chu Pei-lai said the finding indicates that although Chen has revised his pro-independence stance and repeatedly vowed to adopt a new "middle-of-the-road" policy toward mainland China, his image of an "independence advocate" remains alive in the hearts of many voters.

Turning to cross-strait economic issues, the survey conducted by the Industrial Development Research Association found that 70.1 percent of those interviewed said they support the proposal of "adjusting the current 'go-slow' policy on investment in mainland China when cross-strait ties make progress and improvement."

Asked which candidate they think would be most capable to handle cross-strait economic issues, 55.3 percent chose Lien; 17 percent cited Soong; and 14.3 percent opted for Chen.

The same poll also found that 37.3 percent believe that Taiwan's economic development will continue roaring ahead without a hitch even if the main opposition DPP takes power in the upcoming election. (By Sofia Wu)