The National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Insight into Public Opinion

Transcription

1 The National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Insight into Public Opinion ANNUAL QUALITATIVE RESEARCH REPORT JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2007

2 This qualitative research report is a follow up to similar national focus groups conducted with Albanian Kosovars in September 2004 & December A copy of those reports can be obtained by contacting our offices in Pristina at ndi@ndikv.org.

3 DISCLAIMER The views contained herein are those collected from 118 randomly selected participants in 12 separate qualitative focus groups conducted in January/February The views expressed are those of the participants and represented here after careful analysis by an impartial expert facilitator as faithfully as possible. The information contained herein is the best attempt by NDI to distill the findings without altering their meaning. The identities of the individual participants will not be disclosed either by NDI or the contractor who provided recruitment services. Recordings of the groups, after such time as reports are finalized, will be destroyed. The views contained herein are not those of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) or the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

4 Group Accuracy Qualitative Research has limitations it is not polling and therefore not statistically replicable Why do we have faith in these results? concordant with two previous flights of research consistency of opinion amongst like groups adherence to standard focus group methodology

5 Observers Observers were invited from all major political parties attendees: LDK, PDK, AAK, SLS Observers monitored by closed circuit television in an adjoining room Observers met with moderators before and after each group and could suggest questions for the moderator to raise Used as a measure to build confidence and ensure no bias is or appears to be present

6 NDI Programming These groups are used by NDI as a teaching/training exercise for party activists Observers will attend a training on focus group methodology A briefing will be held with moderator and observers to discuss findings in detail Parties get the benefit of and are welcome to use what they have learned from the research All parties and our NDI training graduates will receive a briefing on the results of the research program

7 Methodology Simultaneous translation challenges to any groups conducted in a second language use of two moderators Standard focus group methodology January 29 th February 3 rd, 2007 Split by ethnicity, gender and age

8 Groups :00 12:00 Prishtina Men Prishtina Women Zubin Potok Men Gracanica Men Klina Men Klina Women :00 16:00 Prishtina Men Prishtina Women Zubin Potok Women Gracinica Women Klina Men Klina Women NDI Offices in Pristina Community Radio Station, Zubin Potok Culture Centre, Gracanica Independent Women s Centre, Klina

9 Participants 118 Kosovars Randomly selected Screened political party, media and senior government representatives, working for Int l community i.e. UNMIK, OSCE those who had participated in a research project in the past year Remuneration of 10 euro Assured of the protection of their identity

10 Participants by Ethnicity Albanian Serbian Total Men Women

11 Participants by Employment Employed Unemployed Total Men Women

12 Participants by Age Total Men Women

13 Trend Over Time In September of 2004, it was all about Final Status; In December of 2005, it was still all about Final Status; In January/February 2007 it s s about what status means and what comes next.

14 So what s changed? The public mood has worsened amongst Albanians, a feeling that the State has become corrupted amongst Serbs a feeling of being abandoned Participants feel abandoned or ignored by their political leadership on all issues OTHER than status

15 Status* Amongst Albanian participants status is the obstacle to all progress status is a result of a multi-year struggle (since 89/ 91) status is not the solution to all problems, but a lack of status prevents solution of problems Amongst Serb participants status is likely (more in Gracanica than Zubin Potok) status will be a temporary condition recognized by the International Community Kosovo is Serbia status will provoke an exodus (security and services the trigger) *Not necessarily term used by participants

16 The Status Process Ahtisaari is a fair man but is controlled by US The negotiations had little meaning but both sides represented their nations adequately After the report, there is little understanding of what comes next in the process Amongst Albanian participants, the negotiations yielded the Decentralization plan not decentralization, just ethnic enclaves there should not be ethnic solutions the plan will not really be implemented Amongst Serb participants a belief their leaders will never agree Russia is in opposition to Kosovar independence little understanding of veto

17 Life Today Opportunity decreasing Benefit reserved for those with families in power/in office/owners of businesses Prices increase as the situation stagnates or gets worse more things to buy, less money to buy them with Electricity an issue for Serbs in central Kosovo, mentioned less by Albanians this year than last

18 Public Education It depends on the teacher and the school principal amongst Albanian participants it was thought some teachers are not qualified smaller the community the lower the quality Facilities are not great, but the education is of similar quality to the one obtained when they were children Prishtina has an overcrowding problem Need better equipment laboratory and practical equipment Little or no corruption

19 Post Secondary Education Amongst Albanian participants access to education or employment, after completion of public schooling, not considered realistic Prishtina residents focus on the few spots at university of Prishtina rural see university as too expensive an option (300 Euro a month to send kids to Prishtina) private universities lower quality you need to add one more person working to pay for a student Amongst Serb participants inferior facilities are all that is available locally little opportunity within the community for future job outside of public sector Belgrade a strong magnet but too expensive travel to other schools expensive & dangerous Corruption involving exams

20 The Economy Wages have stagnated in the past two years Amongst Serbs, a belief business relationships are/would be first reconnect with Albanian communities The key is employment the factories must re-open government is responsible to re-open enterprises to create jobs Amongst Serb participants those with land in Serbia, resources etc have already left

21 Jobs & Employment Hope that the situation will change post status foreign investment, privatization and more stability Little protection for women harassment in the private sector, pregnancy less opportunity Private sector jobs have more personal risk (no insurance) little protection for workers large pool of available workers means anyone can be replaced by someone willing to take more risk/lower pay

22 Prices Prices are increasing due to the euro we pay Western prices and have Eastern salaries food and electricity dairy and meat bread Competition lowers prices proof is in Prishtina No reservations about buying the cheapest good or the highest quality good ethnicity or origin does not matter Amongst Serb participants, the use of Euro has no political connotation Dinar remains official Serb currency

23 Healthcare Amongst Albanian participants the system is failing the entire system is corrupted if you get sick you must have money doctors have abandoned their Hippocratic oath public clinics only provide minimal services doctors refer you to private clinics that are user pay, offering the same treatment they denied in the public system medicine and supplies are bought by the government and stolen or allowed to expire sympathy for Doctors salaries has ended Amongst Serb participants the system is working but you must undertake dangerous travel to Mitrovica or Serbia for serious treatment health insurance is expensive (20 euro per month) but works

24 Privatization Privatization was: in the eyes of Serbs, act of theft in the eyes of Albanians, an act of incompetence leading to theft both agree it could and should have been used to create jobs as opposed to wealth The process has not been transparent Value has not been received for the assets The value of the assets is their ability to employ people

25 Security The KPS is seen as: poorly/newly trained capable of responding quickly and taking reports of crime, but not following up with any investigation or outcome having both Serb and Albanian members Amongst Serb participants, their personal security is a constant worry economic crime widespread in their communities KPS or other agencies cannot tackle large scale corruption in business or government

26 The Government Public sector best place to work pays well treat workers well too many perks Surprising faith in public institutions despite unhappiness with government services solution to problems still lies with a better managed and more accountable government

27 Serb Concerns, General Not represented or consulted Safety of transit License plates Security of livestock Most could cite an Albanian friend we lived together before, could again poverty was deciding factor in staying in community The International Community wants to paint all Serbs as perpetrators of Genocide only wars of liberation or defense were fought

28 The Big Differences Feel safe Albanians Feel their health care and university education have become corrupted Feel their leaders are good Serbs Feel threatened Are happy with their public services Feel used by their leaders (more in North)

29 Shared Views Albanians Political parties are all about self interest The Status of Kosovo needs to be resolved urgently There is not enough opportunity for young people to find work Public sector jobs are better due to protection and benefits Serbs Parties (with the exception of the SRS) have become corrupted There must finally be a decision on Kosovo so people can move on with their lives There is not enough opportunity for young people to find work Public sector jobs are better due to protection and benefits

30 Leaders What We Want Courageous Educated/qualified Not corrupted Sincere/honest Intelligent Determined Wealthy (Albanian groups) What We Have Average Not sincere Patriotic Corrupted Personal interests Not educated

31 Issues Albanian participants could easily define the term open lists more democratic better to choose from individuals than parties means to fight corruption Albanian opinion of JO NEGOCIATA VETEVENDOSJE too radical, should stay peaceful support idea/right, but would not attend unless things get worse

32 Danger Areas There is little understanding of what follows Ahtisaari s report Decentralization is understood to be solely an ethnic rights package Albanians are opposed do not believe will have to be implemented Serbs feel there will be crisis in their communities if the security situation worsens their state services are interrupted

33 Blind Spots Economics private vs. public sector free market literacy Reconciliation The Status Process what are milestones? what are markers of success or failure?

34 What we learned Status Albanians what comes next in the process Status Serbs what comes next in the process Health care priority Job creation Personal security Continuation of state services

35 Support Team Moderators Chad Rogers, Country Director, NDI Kosovo Arta Zherka, Senior Program Manager, NDI Kosovo Support Premtim Plakolli, Program Officer Valon Kurhasani, Program Officer Srdjan Djeric, Intern Pranvera Lipovica, Program Assistant for Logistics Shkelzen Domi, Assistant Director of Operations Kushtrim Shehu, Director of Operations External Research Company UBO Consulting

36 The National Democratic Institute in Kosovo is supported in large part by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Copyright National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) All rights reserved. Portions of this work may be reproduced and/or translated for noncommercial purposes provided NDI is acknowledged as the source of the material and is sent copies of any translation.

37 For more information about NDI or to consult Access Democracy, our online library of training materials, please consult our webpage. The National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Str. Andreja Gropa no Prishtina, Kosovo +381 (0) tel/fax

38 NDI has worked in Kosovo since 1999 to develop democratic institutions and transparent government bodies that are responsive to citizens. NDI Kosovo programs include legislative strengthening; political party development and civic participation. The programs of the National Democratic Institute in Kosovo are funded in large part by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government. For more information on NDI please consult our website at Copyright National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) All rights reserved. Portions of this work may be reproduced and/or translated for noncommercial purposes provided NDI is acknowledged as the source of the material and is sent copies of any translation.

39 THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE IN KOSOVO: INSIGHT INTO PUBLIC OPINION ANNUAL QUALITATIVE RESEARCH REPORT JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2007 ATTACHMENTS 1. The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs 2. Disclaimer 3. Introduction & Methodology 4. Recruiting Profile (provided to UBO Consulting) 5. Moderator s Guide 6. Table: Leadership Descriptions (by group) 7. Table: Participant Age 8. Table: Participant by Employment Status 9. Political Parties (as identified by participants) 10. Political Leaders (as shown to participants) 11. December 2005 NDI Research Presentation 12. September 2004 NDI Research Presentation Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 2 of 31

40 NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen and expand democracy worldwide. Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government. Democracy depends on legislatures that represent citizens and oversee the executive, independent judiciaries that safeguard the rule of law, political parties that are open and accountable, and elections in which voters freely choose their representatives in government. Acting as a catalyst for democratic development, NDI bolsters the institutions and processes that allow democracy to flourish. Build Political and Civic Organizations: NDI helps build the stable, broad-based and well-organized institutions that form the foundation of a strong civic culture. Democracy depends on these mediating institutions the voice of an informed citizenry, which link citizens to their government and to one another by providing avenues for participation in public policy. Safeguard Elections: NDI promotes open and democratic elections. Political parties and governments have asked NDI to study electoral codes and to recommend improvements. The Institute also provides technical assistance for political parties and civic groups to conduct voter education campaigns and to organize election monitoring programs. NDI is a world leader in election monitoring, having organized international delegations to monitor elections in dozens of countries, helping to ensure that polling results reflect the will of the people. Promote Openness and Accountability: NDI responds to requests from leaders of government, parliament, political parties and civic groups seeking advice on matters from legislative procedures to constituent service to the balance of civil-military relations in a democracy. NDI works to build legislatures and local governments that are professional, accountable, open and responsive to their citizens. International cooperation is key to promoting democracy effectively and efficiently. It also conveys a deeper message to new and emerging democracies that while autocracies are inherently isolated and fearful of the outside world, democracies can count on international allies and an active support system. Headquartered in Washington D.C., with field offices in every region of the world, NDI complements the skills of its staff by enlisting volunteer experts from around the world, many of whom are veterans of democratic struggles in their own countries and share valuable perspectives on democratic development. Board of Directors Chairman Madeleine K. Albright Vice Chair Rachelle Horowitz Marc B. Nathanson Secretary Kenneth F. Melley Treasurer Eugene Eidenberg President Kenneth D. Wollack Bernard W. Aronson J. Brian Atwood Harriet C. Babbitt Elizabeth Frawley Bagley Erskine Bowles Joan Baggett Calambokidis Thomas A. Daschle Barbara J. Easterling Geraldine A. Ferraro Sam Gejdenson Patrick J. Griffin Shirley Robinson Hall Harold Hongju Koh Peter Kovler Nat LaCour Robert G. Liberatore Judith A. McHale Constance Milstein Molly Raiser Nicholas A. Rey Susan E. Rice Nancy H. Rubin Elaine K. Shocas Michael R. Steed Maurice Tempelsman Arturo Valenzuela Mark R. Warner Chairmen Emeriti Paul G. Kirk, Jr. Walter F. Mondale Charles T. Manatt Senior Advisory Committee William V. Alexander Michael D. Barnes John Brademas Bill Bradley Emanuel Cleaver, II Mario M. Cuomo Patricia M. Derian Christopher J. Dodd Michael S. Dukakis Thomas F. Eagleton Martin Frost Richard N. Gardner Richard A. Gephardt John T. Joyce Peter G. Kelly Paul G. Kirk, Jr. Elliott F. Kulick John Lewis Donald F. McHenry Abner J. Mikva Charles S. Robb Stephen J. Solarz Theodore C. Sorensen Esteban E. Torres Anne Wexler Andrew J. Young Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 3 of 31

41 DISCLAIMER The views contained herein are those collected from 118 randomly selected participants in 12 separate qualitative focus groups conducted in January/February The views expressed are those of the participants and represented here after careful analysis by an impartial expert facilitator as faithfully as possible. The information contained herein is the best attempt by NDI to distill the findings without altering their meaning. The identities of the individual participants will not be disclosed either by NDI or the contractor who provided recruitment services. Recordings of the groups, after such time as reports are finalized, will be destroyed. Qualitative Research has limitations; as it is not quantitative research it is not statistical replicable. We have faith in these results as they build on our September 2004 and December 2005 studies, there is a high level of concordance on some issues and the responses were consistent in like groups. Additionally, NDI asked representative of parties to participate as observers in adjacent facilities to ensure no partisan bias was present or detectable in any group on the part of the moderators or participants. The views contained herein are not those of the National Democratic Institute or the United States Agency for International Development. This publication was made possible with the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 4 of 31

42 INTRODUCTION & METHODOLOGY Introduction NDI Kosovo has undertaken an annual survey of public opinion through a regimen of qualitative research for the past three years. In 2004 and 2005 our focus was on Kosovar Albanian communities, looking at general mood, political opinion and attitudes toward government and institutions. Copies of this research are available in English and Albanian upon request. 118 participants from a number of communities, representing both Albanians and Serbs, were invited to participate in facilitated 90 minute discussions. The 2007 research reached out to Albanian and Serb communities assessing their views and opinions on a number of topics, including but not limited to: - asking participants to assess the quality of life within their homes and families focusing on elements that had gotten better, worse or stayed the same Methodology Groups were conducted according to standard qualitative research focus group methodology. Moderators used simple questions as well as visual aids and paper surveys to collect data and guide discussion. A moderators guide was prepared in advance and employed in all groups (see Appendix II). Groups were conducted in the language of participants, and English via simultaneous and consecutive interpretation conducted by someone present in the room. UBO Consulting was contracted to provide the logistical support to groups held outside of Prishtina, namely the selection of a neutral facility, as well as recruit all participants. Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 5 of 31

43 Group participants were recruited anonymously according to criteria set out by NDI, namely eliminating any participants working directly for a media outlet, a national political party, or at the senior management levels of a government institution (see Appendix I). Participants who had participated in a public opinion poll or focus group in the previous calendar year were screened out. Groups were assembled according to ethnicity/language, separated by gender and in the case of the Albanian groups by age. Participants were offered remuneration of 10 euro per person in exchange for their participation in accordance with normal qualitative research practices and market norms. In previous years NDI has had significant recruiting problems with women in rural areas, due to concerns about propriety and an unwillingness to travel without spouses or a male representative from the family. Additionally, research projects often encounter challenges with participants from Serb areas, citing concern about safety or how speaking openly might affect them in their communities. In this research we have encountered neither of these issues and thank UBO Consulting, Research Company, for their professionalism and assistance. Group 1: 10:00 12:00 Group 2: 14:00 16: 00 Jan 29 th, 2007 Prishtina, Men aged (11) Prishtina, Men aged (11) Jan 30 th, 2007 Prishtina, Women aged (10) Prishtina, Women aged (8) Jan 31 st, 2007 Zubin Potok, Men (8) Zubin Potok, Women (10) Feb 1 st, 2007 Gracanica, Men (12) Gracanica, Women (10) Feb 2 nd, 2007 Feb 3 rd, 2007 Klina, Men Klina, aged Women (10) aged (10) Klina, Men Klina, aged Women (10) aged (8) Green: Albanian, Red: Serbian Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 6 of 31

44 The groups, while homogenous in gender and in the case of Albanian groups age, were heterogeneous in background. A distribution of those employed and those unemployed was sought, and amongst those employed a balance between those engaged in both the private and public sector (see Appendices VIII & IX ). Observers The groups were used as a teaching training exercise by NDI Kosovo in that participants each registered party with whom we work were invited to view groups in an adjacent room via closed circuit television. The viewing groups were not introduced or revealed to participants. Representatives from the Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) the Democratic Party of Kosova (PDK), the Alliance for the Future of Kosova (AAK) and the Serbian Liberal Party (SLS) chose to attend a number of groups. All groups had at least two observers from different political parties. The presence of these observers is also used as a confidence building measure in the objectivity of the research and to demonstrate to our party partners that no bias was present in the research collection. NDI will work with the party representatives who attended in future to conduct a discussion on findings, as well as a discussion on how the information can be presented to their parties and finally how qualitative research could be deployed within the parties themselves. This report of findings will be shared with donors, international actors ad well as political parties. Support Team Chad Rogers, NDI Kosovo Country Director served as primary moderator for the groups, conducting his work in English with interpreter support. Rogers has extensive experience in quantitative and qualitative research in his work with governments and political parties. Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 7 of 31

45 Arta Zherka, NDI Kosovo Senior Program Manager for Political Parties served as co-moderator. Zherka served as coordinator of NDI s previous qualitative research projects and has experience in qualitative research with civil society groups and international organizations. Additional NDI team members involved in the project included: Premtim Plakolli, Program Officer, Political Party Development Team NDI Kosovo Valon Kurhasani, Program Officer, Political Party Development Team NDI Kosovo Sirjan Djeric, Intern, Minorities Program Team NDI Kosovo Pranvera Lipovica, Program Assistant for Logistics, Operations Team NDI Kosovo Shkelzen Domi, Assistant Director of Operations, Operations Team NDI Kosovo Kushtrim Shehu, Director of Operations, Operations Team NDI Kosovo Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 8 of 31

46 FOCUS GROUP RECRUITING CRITERIA 1. The respondents must not be political party staff or paid political party activists. 2. The respondents must not be working / engaged in the media or have any members of the immediate family working for the media. 3. The respondents monthly income must not exceed 500 euro per month. 4. The respondents must not be employed in an international organization (UNMIK, USAID, OSCE, Diplomatic Offices, and International NGO working with Political Parties or Institutions etc.) 5. The respondents must not have participated in focus group research in the past two years. 6. The respondents must not have participated nor done survey in the past two years. 7. The respondents must be eligible to vote (UNMIK or Serb ID) a. *UNMIK ID for Albanian respondents b. *Republic of Serbia ID (or Yugoslav) for the Serb respondents Albanian Groups (Prishtina & Klina): Women age Women age Men age Men age Serbian Groups (Zubin Potok & Gracinica): age limit is not divided into young and old respondents can be of any age between Timeline arrangement of Focus Groups: Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 9 of 31

47 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Prishtina Prishtina Zubin Potok Gracanica Klina Klina Male / Young Female / Young Male Male Male / Young Female / Young Male / Old Female / Old Female Female Male / Old Female / Old Groups must be selected randomly & individually, participants cannot be selected in small groups, none should be aware of the participation of any friends or colleagues in a group. An attempt should be made for no more than 12 participants in each group and no less than 6. Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 10 of 31

48 MODERATOR S DISCUSSION GUIDE FOCUS GROUPS Part One 10 minutes Explanation of process and expectations (mobile phones, respect for opinions, one at a time) Introduction of facilitators Recording, viewing Confidentiality, No last names Paying for participation Who we are (NDI) and why we are doing this) Introduction of participants (name, family, age, something about yourselves) Part Two 5 minutes As you probably know, there may be municipal elections this fall and general elections in Each of you has a piece of paper and an envelope in front of you. I would like you to now take a moment and write down the name of the party you expect to be voting for in the next general election. Once you have done that, please put the piece of paper in the envelope, seal it and return it to me. Just like in a real election, your choice will be secret. Thank you. Part Three 25 minutes What has changed in the last year? What would you say the mood of people is like? Better? Worse? What would you say? What does Kosovo look like one year from now? What is better? What is worse? What won t change? How will your life be different? Status Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 11 of 31

49 Before we stalk about this important issue, can you help me understand a bit about what it means? What is involved? How will it work? How will it come about? What will life be like the day after status is achieved? What about three months after that? We have just finished talking about a number of issues and I am wondering how you think status will affect those issues, if it will affect them at all. What about the negotiating process itself? How does it seem to be going? What do you think of the job Ahtisaari is doing? What do you think of him? Part Four 35 minutes NOTE: For each area, probe for current status, trend over time, hope for the future, who is responsible for taking action, who gets credit and who gets blame Jobs Let s start with jobs. Jobs for yourself, your families and your friends. What s the story? What s going on? Education How about the education you need to get a good job. How are things with the education system here, by that I mean the whole education system? Healthcare Is the healthcare system working for you? For your family? Any problems or issues? Privatization How is privatization being handled? What do you expect on this issue in the year ahead? Part Five 15 minutes EXERCISE -Think of one word that describes a perfect leader for Kosovo, a quality, or some characteristic to describe them Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 12 of 31

50 -Think of one word that describes the politicians we have today, no need to name names, but how would you describe the current politicians? What is the job of President? What is the difference between the job of President and Prime Minister? Part Six 10 minutes I would like to talk a bit about the parties here in Kosovo and the politicians that are associated with each. What about the government itself? Who is the Prime Minister? I am going to show you know some pictures of politicians, first, please raise your hand if you recognize the person but don t say the name. Then we will talk about them. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What do you think about them? After this exercise we will place the photos on a table. I would like you then to place your post it notes under the photo of the appropriate individuals. What party holds power now? What about the parties themselves? Can you compare them for me? Are some old? Some new? Do you need more? Fewer? Other What are open lists? Are they more democratic, less democratic or the same as the current situation? What do you think of Albin Kurti and Vetevendosja? Part Seven 2 minutes Thank, arrange payment and terminate Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 13 of 31

51 LEADERSHIP QUALITIES (AS IDENTIFIED BY PARTICIPANTS) What would you like to see in your political leaders? How would you describe your political leaders? Prishtina M/Y Able to do his job, brave (x4), restrain, professionally qualified, intelligent (x4), successful politician, sincere Not that good, good in general, unable (x2), foxy, superiority, optimism, not useful, not sincere Prishtina M/O Value the will of people, wise (x5), brave (x2), sincere, determent, wealthy, state visionary, educated, love Kosovo, cleaver, patriotic, serious Modest, sincere, patriotic (x2), not corrupted (x2), un-determent, non partisan, communist educated, Hard working for independence and economical development of Kosovo Prishtina W/Y Sincere (x3), educated, intelligent (x4), peaceful, intellectual, honest, wise, responsible (x2), politician, brave Not that good, average (x2), intelligent, discreet, professional, hard working, not honest, passive, to be able to do everything for Kosovo Prishtina W/O Brave (x4), intelligent (x4), moral, just, sincere Impudent, good for us, visionary, unable, corrupted (x2), uneducated (x3). Zubin Potok M Sincere (x3), highly educated (x2), wise, able, leader who keeps Kosovo in Serbia, in sync with time, professional, truthful, patriotic, Serves his people, cooperative, young, honest, better, edgier Wise, no certain profile, diplomat, boring, educated, knows what he wants, brave, sincere, always late, noisemaker, opportunist Zubin Potok W Gracanica M Wise (x3), educated, responsible, sensitive, multidisciplinary, determined (x3), intelligent (x3), capable, Serb, brave (x2), good politician, realistic, capable Determined, hard working, educated, not corrupted, people's man, for all nations, international, peaceful, works for the people, successful in fulfilling duties, courageous (x2), delivers promises, not corrupted, energetic, professional, honest Selfish, irresponsible (x2), macho man, untouchable (2), empty worded, unreachable, positive (x2), hasty, unwise, unable to understand, unorganized Sincere, held back, national/radical, fights for the chair, nepotism, corruption, no common sense, honorable, unreal, doesn't keep promises, deceiving, does not understand, better if he was a democrat, uneducated, nationalist, good negotiator, corrupted (x2) Unable to function, doesn't think independently (x2), no respect, fake, coward, ridiculous, selfish, intelligent, cares about his chair, corrupted Gracanica W Honest (x2), not corrupted, educated (x2), sincere (x4), brave (x2), wise (x2), determined, realistic, good, intelligent Klina M/Y Clever (x6), intelligent (x2), correct, able, honest (x2) Not corrupted, good (x3), negative (x2), very good, not good, corruption rising Klina M/O Honest (x4), brave (x3), professional, clever, educated, internationally Loyal, incompetent, personal interest (x2), unique, unified toward Kosovo recognized, not corrupted, intelligent, determined (x2), trustful, able, solution, weak, unstable, not the level wished for, irresponsible (x2), majority not responsible (x2), intellectual, sincere good, unprofessional, average Klina W/Y Klina W/O Intelligent (x4), brave, clever (x4), wealthy, honest, educated (x2), to not have summer houses and cars Know how to lead, able to lead towards Europe, wealthy (x2), work for the good of people, no personal interest, ideals for freedom, sincere, not corrupted (x2) Everybody corrupted (x4), partisan, nepotism (x2), negative, wise but irresponsible Personal interests, fairly good, not corrupted, corrupted, our leader passed away for the rest of them I don't have an opinion Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 14 of 31

52 PARTICIPANTS BY AGE Age Age Age Age Age Age Age Age Prishtina M/Y Prishtina M/O 4 3 Prishtina W/Y Prishtina W/O Zubin Potok M Zubin Potok W Gracanica M Gracanica W Klina M/Y Klina M/O 5 1 Klina W/Y Klina W/O Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 15 of 31

53 PARTICIPANTS BY EMPLOYMENT STATUS Employed Unemployed Prishtina M/Y 8 3 Prishtina M/O 8 3 Prishtina W/Y 4 6 Prishtina W/O 2 6 Zubin Potok M 5 3 Zubin Potok W 8 2 Gracanica M 7 5 Gracanica W 4 6 Klina M/Y 7 3 Klina M/O 7 3 Klina W/Y 1 9 Klina W/O 4 4 Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 16 of 31

54 GLOSSARY OF POLITICAL PARTIES Albanian Political Parties AAK Alliance for the Future of Kosova AKR Alliance for a New Kosova LDK Democratic League of Kosova LD Democratic League of Kosova (not registered) ORA Reformist Party ORA PDK Democratic Party of Kosova PShDK Albanian Christian Democratic Party Serbian Political Parties DS Democratic Party DSS Democratic Party of Serbia NS Nova Serbia SPS Socialist Party of Serbia SRS Serbian Radical Party SLKM Serbian List for Kosova and Metohija SNS Serbian People s Party SLS Serbian New Liberal Party Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 17 of 31

55 KOSOVO ALBANIAN POLITICAL LEADERS Fatmir Sejdiu, President LDK: Democratic League of Kosova Hashim Thaci PDK: Democratic Party of Kosova Veton Surroi ORA: Reformist Party ORA Ramush Haradinaj AAK: Alliance for the Future of Kosova Behgjet Pacolli AKR: Alliance for a New Kosova Nexhat Daci Agim Ceku, Prime Minister LD: Democratic League (not registered) AAK: Alliance for the Future of Kosova Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 18 of 31

56 KOSOVO SERB POLITICAL LEADERS Marko Jaksic DSS: Democratic Party of Serbia Oliver Ivanovic SDP: Social Democratic Party of Serbia Goran Bogdanovic DS: Democratic Party Milan Jovanovic DSS: Democratic Party of Serbia Slavisa Petkovic Serbian Democratic Party, Kosovo Momcilo Trajkovic Bishop Artemije Radosavljevic Rada Trajkovic Bishop of Orthodox Church in Kosovo SLKM: Serbian List for Kosova and Metohija Head of Coordination Committee Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 19 of 31

57 Randjel Nojkic SLKM: Serbian List for Kosova and Metohija Mihajlo Scepanovic SNS: Serbian People s Party Slobodan Petrovic SLS: Serbian Independent Liberal Party Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 20 of 31

58 Slide 1 The National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Kosovo December, 2005 Insight Into Public Opinion Qualitative Research (Focus Groups) Project Slide 3 DISCLAIMER The views contained herein are those collected form more than 80 randomly selected participants in 8 separate qualitative focus groups conducted in December The views expressed are their own and presented here after careful analysis by an impartial expert facilitator. The information contained herein is the best attempt by the expert facilitator and NDI to distill the findings. The views contained herein are not those of the National Democratic Institute or the United States Agency for International Development. Slide Research Presentation Methodology Eight groups conducted NDI Offices in Pristina NGO Centre Gjakova December 6 th and 7 th, 2005 Split by gender and age Women 17-34, Women 40 over Men 17-34, Men 40-0ver Slide 2 This qualitative research report is a follow up to similar national focus groups conducted with Albanian Kosovars in September A copy of that report can be obtained by contacting our offices in Pristina at ndi@ndikv.org. Slide 4 Group Accuracy Qualitative Research has limitations it is not polling and therefore not statistical replicable Why do we have faith in these results? They are in agreement with our September 2004 study Due to the high level of concordance (agreement) amongst all participants Confidence of expert facilitator in honest input by participants Slide 6 Methodology Cont d Simultaneous translation Challenges to groups conducted in a second language Standard focus group methodology Concordance of views except where noted A few differences emerged between group locations, addressed in presentation Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 21 of 31

59 Slide 7 Slide 9 Slide 11 Participant Overview Cont d So what s changed? Key Positive Attributes Age Range 17 to to to to to 64-5 Over over Age Certainty of achieving Final Status Independent country no compromise on borders and severing of ties w/ Serbia Increased certainty of what Final Status means Status = FDI = Jobs = Improvements in all aspects of life Countries who supported liberation should help now with investment Honest Respectful Puts people s interests first Acts in a unified way Delivers promises Professional / works hard Slide 8 Slide 10 Slide 12 Trend Over Time DISCLAIMER Life Today In September of 2004, it was all about Final Status In December of 2005, it is still all about Final Status The views contained herein are those collected form more than 80 randomly selected participants in 9 separate qualitative focus groups conducted in September The views expressed are their own and presented here after careful analysis by an impartial expert facilitator. The information contained herein is the best attempt by the expert facilitator and NDI to distill the findings. The views contained herein are not those of the National Democratic Institute or the United States Agency for International Development. Disparity between Pristina and Gjakova Intensity of war experience Further from the centre of things; sense of being left behind, isolation Sense of loss, gap between what the community was and what it is becoming Particularly desperate for youth Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 22 of 31

60 Slide 13 Unemployment Not only number one issue in terms of concern but also in terms of intractability Feeling no party, person will/can solve problem Single biggest killer of hope Work heals the soul Talk about the family job as opposed to work for every able bodied member of the family Heavy reliance on Status to fix; no sense of a plan or anyone working on a plan Slide 15 Healthcare and Education Systems are failing and are expected to continue to fail Crisis of confidence Expectation of further decline Plagued with corruption; encountered by all Wages are too low for all participants; Kosovo government is to blame Teacher s strike clear example of Kosovo government failure Slide 17 Growing Issues KEK and their ABC plan is the source of great concern Unsure as to what it will mean Sense that it is fundamentally unfair Threat to stability and patience of public Generalized concern about infrastructure and the ability to improve it as necessary I may not have had a computer but I did have a light bulb that worked Slide 14 Status Key to determining the future Certain of its arrival Little understanding/awareness of the process Confidence in Ahtissari Awareness of Finnish experience, pre-war role Satisfaction with government s handling Pleased with Unity team Slide 16 Privatization Great hopes attached to these initiatives Concern about: the progress or lack thereof to date the transparency of the process Beginning to understand that privatization may not create huge number of anticipated new/resurrected jobs Realization but not acceptance Slide 18 The President President Rugova Great concern for his health Great respect for his service to Kosovo Appreciation his skill and experience are needed Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 23 of 31

61 Slide 19 National Symbols Strong need for a flag One flag for the Albanian Nation and a new flag for a Kosovo State No two countries can have the same flag Want referendum all citizens should have input, ownership Slide 21 Central Question If people are generally unhappy with life in Kosovo, not only today but into the future, why is that they are relatively satisfied with the parties and their leaders? Slide 23 What Does This Mean? Axiom of politics: it must be someone s fault At the moment, that means internationals Status now a given No appetite for negotiation on borders or sovereignty Opportunity to solidify positions, gain support of citizens/voters Migrate pride to on my side or stands up for me Slide 20 Other issues Preference for open lists Slide 22 Answer You can not hold people accountable for that which they are not responsible. Internationals, specifically the SRSG and UNMIK, have reserved the power needed to deal with these issues Result, elected officials are off the hook Slide 24 Moderator Jaime Watt Chair, Navigator Limited Moderated more than 2500 focus groups over a period of 20 years Navigator is a research-based public affairs firm located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Watt s services have been provided probono to NDI and USAID Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 24 of 31

62 Slide 25 Observation Team Each major Albanian political party was allowed to have 2 observers of every group Observers monitored by closed circuit television in an adjoining room Observers met with moderators before and after each group and could suggest questions for the moderator to raise Observers attended a training on focus group methodology A briefing was held with moderator and observers to discuss findings in detail Slide 26 Support Team NDI Chad Rogers, Country Director, NDI Kosovo Arta Zherka, Senior Program Manager, NDI Kosovo Mjellma Hapciu, National Program Officer, NDI Kosovo Kushtrim Shehu, Director of Operations, NDI Kosovo External Index Kosova Coalition of Women NGO s, Gjakova Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 25 of 31

63 Slide 1 The National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Kosovo: It s All About Final Status September, 2004 Insight Into Public Opinion Qualitative Research (Focus Groups) Project Slide 3 Key Positive Attributes Honest Respectful Puts people s interests first Acts in a unified way Delivers promises Professional / works hard Slide Research Presentation Methodology cont d Simultaneous translation Standard focus group methodology Pre and post ballot test Post it note exercise Concordance of views except where noted Broad strokes Urban more cynical Rural more hopeful / trusting Slide 2 DISCLAIMER The views contained herein are those collected form more than 80 randomly selected participants in 9 separate qualitative focus groups conducted in September The views expressed are their own and presented here after careful analysis by an impartial expert facilitator. The information contained herein is the best attempt by the expert facilitator and NDI to distill the findings. The views contained herein are not those of the National Democratic Institute or the United States Agency for International Development. Slide 4 Methodology Participants randomly recruited by Reinvest Nine groups conducted at NDI Offices September 20, 21, 22 Split by gender and geography Young to middle age Urban women 26 Rural women 16 Urban men 17 Rural men 21 Slide 6 Life Today Very challenging; daily struggle. Expected better five years out Everyone is waiting for Final Status when everything will change Expected mid 2005 Unemployment terrible problem Tearing families apart Young people abandoning dreams to support families Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 26 of 31

64 Slide 7 Slide 9 Slide 11 Life Today cont d Life In A Few Years cont d Key Issue Employment Nepotism / favourtism still rampant In both domestic and international institutions Hard to see who is on the people s side Believe they are Europeans but aren t treated as so Treated as children Held to a different standard Just hanging on Not rationally based; what s needed to keep going Hope is moving them forward If this does not happen, many expect to leave the country Desperate problem Clinging to hope of FDI after Final Status Expect once plants start working things will change Until then, little they can do Much like treading water Slide 8 Life In A Few Years Life will be much better Final Status will trigger massive foreign investment FDI response will be swift Factories will be up and running in no time Significant improvements in Education Employment Economy generally Slide 10 Key Issues 1. Employment Twice the next issue 2. Final Status 3. (tied) Education 3. (tied) Working For The People 4. Corruption Slide 12 Key Issue Employment cont d Significant source of family stress Too many people to support on one wage Young people asking why bother with an education Tough choices Insight into Public Opinion: January/February 2007 Qualitative Research Report National Democratic Institute in Kosovo Page 27 of 31