Georgian National Voter Study February 007 International Republican Institute Baltic Surveys Ltd. / The Gallup Organization The Institute of Polling and Marketing with funding from the United States Agency for International Development IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SURVEY This national representative survey was carried out from February 8 to February 6, 007.,00 Georgian residents (voters) aged 8 years and over were interviewed face-to-face. The margin of error does not exceed three percent. The survey was carried out on behalf of IRI. It was funded by the United States Agency for International Development. The study was designed, coordinated and analyzed by Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization (Dr. R.Alisauskiene). The fieldwork was carried out by the Institute of Polling and Marketing. IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
MOOD OF THE COUNTRY IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Do you think that things in Georgia are going in the... Right direction Wrong direction Don't know, no answer February 007 8 April 006 9 0 October 00 0 8 June 00 6 0 October 00 6 0 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Over the last three months, the economic situation in Georgia has Improved a lot Improved somewhat Stayed the same Worsened somewhat Worsened a lot Don't know, no answer February 007 7 0 April 006 0 8 October 00 8 7 June 00 0 October 00 0 8 0 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Over the last three months, the financial situation of your household has... Improved a lot Improved somewhat Stayed the same Worsened somewhat Worsened a lot Don't know, no answer February 007 9 April 006 9 October 00 7 8 8 June 00 8 6 October 00 6 6 6 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 6
How satisfied are you with the way democracy is developing in Georgia? Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied DK/NA February 007 6 6 0 April 006 8 7 9 October 00 7 June 00 0 7 0 8 October 00 0 8 7 0 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 7
Do you believe that things will get better in a short time or it will take a long time to get better in the country? Short time Long time Not sure/refused February 007 8 9 April 006 67 October 00 67 June 00 8 6 October 00 9 0 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8
Mood of the nation Optimism Neutral Pessimism February 007 7 April 006 68 October 00 7 9 June 00 7 8 October 00 78 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 9
Are people in Georgia afraid or not to openly express their political views? Majority are afraid Many are afraid Some are afraid Nobody is afraid DK/NA February 007 9 April 006 8 0 8 9 October 00 8 9 7 June 00 8 6 October 00 6 6 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 0
ISSUES IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Most important issue Georgia is facing (February 007) Unemployment 7 8 Territorial integrity Economics 7 0 0 7 Social problems Relations with Russia 8 Financial problems 6 Unity Raising the prices Unfairness / illegality First mention All mentions Pensions Court system IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Most important issue Georgia is facing (April 006) Unemployment 0 9 Territorial integrity 7 0 Economic situation 9 Poverty Social situation Unity 8 Relation with Russia Raising the prices of products Problems connected with pensions 6 First mention All mentions Finances Problems connected with salary IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Most important issue towns/villages are facing (February 007) Unemployment Roads Economics Water problems Material problems Electricity problems Growing tariffs Antisanitary Social problems Rising prices Non existance of gas Cultivation of land Transport Organization of public services Agriculture Crime 9 7 8 7 6 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 First mention All mentions
Most important issue households are facing (February 007) Unemployment 7 6 Finances 8 Economics 0 Social problems Problems of health Low pensions 6 Low salaries Problems of housing High tariffs Problems of water First mention All mentions Education IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Most important issue households are facing (April 006) Unemployment 6 Finances 7 Economic situation 8 Problems of health Poverty Problems of housing Low salaries Social situation Low pensions Rising prices of the products First mention All mentions Expensive education system Problems of water IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 6
Issues On the personal/household level, social issues are still most pressing. On the community level the most important problem remains unemployment, but issues related to infrastructure are also important. On the national level, territorial integrity is one of the most important issues, but the most urgent issue for the Georgian population is unemployment. IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 7
Acceptability of social protest forms (February 007) Acceptable Not acceptable No opinion Collecting signatures for petition, letter 8 0 Boycott 7 9 Legal demonstrations 8 Demonstrations without permission 8 7 Legal strikes 7 0 Strikes without permission 6 7 0 Occupation of buildings or enterprises 80 0 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8
Acceptability of social protest forms (April 006) Acceptable Not acceptable No opinion Collecting signatures for petition, letter 8 9 Boycott 0 7 Legal demonstrations 60 8 Demonstrations without permission 66 0 Legal strikes 7 9 Strikes without permission 68 0 Occupation of buildings or enterprises 79 9 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 9
Fear the most (February 007) Loss of territorial integrity 9 Unemployment Economics 6 War 7 9 Relations with Russia 8 Financial situation Future of the country Political destabilization Social problems Lack of national unity Education problem First mention All mentions Unfairness/illegality Rising prices Emigration IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 0
Fear the most (April 006) Loss of territorial integrity Unemployment War Economic situation Relations with Russia Future of the country Mentality of the people must be changed Poverty Social situation Destabilization Lack of national unity Criminal situation Expensive education system Emigration Issue of the revolution 6 6 6 First mention All mentions IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Fears of people The biggest fears are still related to instability: military instability (territorial integrity of the country, war, relations with Russia); and social instability (unemployment, economic problems). IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Have you been in a situation over the last months when you had to pay a bribe in order to get a service or a decision? No, have not paid any bribe in the last months Yes, had to pay Refuse DK/NA February 007 9 0.7 April 006 96 70 80 90 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Do you think that the criminal situation in Georgia has become worse, better or stayed the same over the last six months? Better Stayed the same Worsened DK/NA February 007 7 8 April 006 8 October 00 9 8 8 June 00 8 9 8 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Do you believe that the current government is doing enough to prevent smuggling from South Ossetia? Yes, does enough No, does not do enough Does nothing DK/NA February 007 6 April 006 60 6 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
In your opinion, the Georgian government handled the recent gas negotiations correctly or not? (February 007) Yes 7% DK/NA 8% No % IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 6
Do you support the government s healthcare reform policy or not? (February 007) DK/NA 6% Support 7% Oppose 7% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 7
Do you support or oppose the restoration of Georgia as a constitutional monarchy? (February 007) Support % DK/NA 9% Oppose 67% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8
Do you believe the government is devoting enough attention to combat narcotics and illegal drug use in Georgia or not? (February 007) DK/NA 6% Yes, the government is doing enough to address this problem 9% No, the government is not doing enough on this % IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 9
How do you evaluate the government s unemployment program conducted in autumn 006? (February 007) Haven't heard about it % DK/NA % It is a major success 6% It is a small success 7% It is a major failure 6% It is a failure 7% Neither success nor failure 8% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 0
Do you believe that the human rights of each Georgian citizen are fully respected by the government or not? (February 007) DK/NA % Human rights are fully respected by the Georgian government 8% Human rights are only partially respected by the Georgian government 8% 8% government Human rights are violated and not at all respected by the Georgian government 0% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
What is the area the Georgian government should carry out reforms in first? And what is the second area? And what is the third area? (February 007) Economy 6 6 Judiciary 6 Healthcare system 7 Defence 9 7 8 Education 8 Protection of environment Penitential Energy sector Local governance Other 7 First Second Third 0 0 0 0 0 0 60 70 80 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
What is the area the Georgian government should carry out reforms in area? And what is the second area? And what is the third area? (April 006) Economy 8 0 Judiciary 6 7 Defence Education 9 7 Local governance 7 Energy sector Penitential Protection of environment Other 7 7 First Second Third 0 0 0 0 0 0 60 70 80 90 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Which of these should be the Georgian government s first priority? And which should be the second priority? (February 007) Restoring Georgia's territorial integrity 6 Creating jobs 7 Implementing reforms 0 Integration into European Union/NATO 6 First Second 0. Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 60 70 80 90 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Which of these should be the Georgian government s first priority? And which should be the second priority? (April 006) Restoring Georgia's territorial integrity 8 8 Creating jobs Implementing reforms Integration into European Union/NATO First Second Other 0. 0. 0 0 0 0 0 0 60 70 80 90 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
POLITICS IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 6
Interest in politics Low interest Medium interest High interest February 007 6 April 006 8 0 October 00 0 7 June 00 9 9 October 00 8 9 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 7
Interest in politics Interest in politics has slightly decreased: As of February 007, 6 percent of Georgians showed a high level of interest. In April 006, 0 percent showed a high interest. In October 00, 7 percent. In June 00, 9 percent, and in October 00, the number was at percent. While percent of the population are not much interested in politics. In April 006, 8 percent indicated they were not much interested. In October 00, it was 0 percent. In June 00, 9 percent, and in October 00, 8 percent. IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8
Most important characteristics/attributes in a parliamentary candidate (February 007) Educated Honest Protecting people's interests Patriot Fair Philantropchic Hardworking Conscientious Fulfilling promises Professional Devoted Trustworthy Experienced Principle Communicating with people Attentive Responsible Tactful Polite Not corrupted 6 6 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8 9 9 First mention All mentions 9
Most important characteristics/attributes in a parliamentary candidate (April 006) Honest Caring of people Educated Fair Patriot Protecting people's interests Conscious Fulfilling promises Polite Interrelated with people Professional Devoted Intellectual Loving fellow-man Gifted-clever National Hardworking Showing restraint IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 7 7 0 8 First mention All mentions 0
When considering which party to vote for, which is more important: Leader is more important Party is more important Both No answer 00 80 60 6 6 9 6 6 6 0 0 8 8 60 0 February 007 April 006 October 00 June 00 October 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
All other things equal, would vote for: More active, younger candidate More experienced, older Does not matter No answer 00 90 7 9 7 80 70 60 0 6 6 8 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 February 007 April 006 October 00 June 00 October 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
All other things equal, would vote for: 00 Male Female Does not matter No answer 80 0 0 7 60 6 6 8 0 0 0 0 0 February 007 April 006 October 00 June 00 October 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Most important achievements of Georgian government: (February 007) Electricity Pave the roads Patrol City appearance Crime suppression Education reform Increase of the pensions First aid, ambulance Army Getting back Adjara Construction activities Timely pensions Removal of Russian bases Cleanness Foreign policy External lightning Fight against corruption Fountains Go out on international area Perspective of joining NATO Stability, order Nothing DK/NA 6 6 7 7 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 9 7 9 First mention All mentioned 9 9 8
Most important achievements of Georgian government: (April 006) Electric power Repair of roads 8 8 Patrol Defence reforms Increase of the pensions Struggle against criminals Emergency Education Removal of Russian bases Giving out pensions Maintaining Ajara Decrease of corruption Making our city beautiful Dining halls Nothing DK/NA 6 7 7 8 8 First mention All mentioned IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Biggest failures of current government: (February 007) Bad relations with Russia Unemployment Territorial integrity Work of court institutions Rising prices Loss of faith towards government Tax rising Economics Court reform Encroach onf property Death of Zurab Zhvania Abolished priveleges Murdering Girgvliani Problem of South Ossetia Social problems Poverty Staff reduction DK/NA 7 9 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8 First mention All mentioned 6
Biggest failures of current government: (April 006) Not being able to create jobs Foreign policy concerning Russia Territorial integrity Prisoners rebellion Reduction of the workers Economic situation Straining Russian - Georgian relations Loss of the trust Not fulfilling the promises Increase of the prices Getting far from the people They do not care about their people Gvirgvliani assassination Ossetian conflict Premier Zhvania's death Victims of rebellion in the prison Losing Abkhasia Nothing DK/NA 6 6 7 9 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 First mention All mentioned 7
In your opinion, is it important for Georgia to have a political opposition or not? Yes, it is important No, it is not important DK February 007 8 7 April 006 8 7 9 October 00 79 6 June 00 8 6 October 00 7 0 9 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8
Why it is important or not important for Georgia to have a political opposition? (February 007) For vigilance 9 For controlling 8 Give instructions for mistakes For alternative option 9 For power of the country For truth 6 6 For developing democracy Not for one-man management Makes no difference For common idea For one-man management For protecting public interests DK/NA IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 9
Why it is important or not important for Georgia to have a political opposition? (April 006) For country's democratic development Government will be more vigilant They will be shown their mistakes For control 0 Government will get down to business more seriously 7 To reveal the truth 6 Good governement Opposition should protect people's interests They hinder out government to work For the right direction Makes no sense For the power not to be concentrated in one hand Causes chaos Opposition sees only negative sides 0. 0. 0. IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 0
What are three main issues that the Mayor of Tbilisi needs to address? (residents of Tbilisi ) (February 007) Employ people on some work 8 8 Care on city appearance 0 Organization of public services and amenities 8 City welfare 9 0 Antisanitary, cleaning city Social problems 6 7 8 First mentioned All mentioned Raising pensions salaries Repairing roads 6 6 Getting people's trust Regulating external lightening 6 Care for repairing damaged houses Communal problems Reducing taxes DK/NA IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
What are three main issues that the Mayor of Tbilisi needs to address? (residents of Tbilisi) (April 006) Making the city prettier Cleanliness of the city Creating jobs Caring about people's welfare Expression and face of the city Roads Help for defenseless people Wrecked houses Correct development of infrastructure Lighting of the city Adjusting of buildings Adjusting of houses Transportation issue Raising pensions DK/NA 6 7 8 9 9 9 7 6 First mentioned All mentioned IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
What are the three major achievements of Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava? (February 007) N=00 Roads 7 Garbage collection Making the city look better 8 Lighting 8 9 Making parks better looking 6 7 Building squares 6 Fountains Schools repair Organization of public services and amenities 8 First mention All mentions Entertainment centers Nothing Other DK/NA 0 0 0 0 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
What are the three major achievements of Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava? (April 006) N=00 Roads 9 Lighting of the city Public service of the city 6 Squares and gardens Painting of fronts 8 Sports squares 7 Opening of free dining halls Planting of trees and shrubs First mention All mentions Being close with people Nothing 9 9 Other DK/NA 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
What are the three major failures of Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava? (February 007) N=00 Illegal destruction of private property Encroaching on private property Abolishing subsidies 9 Youth unemployment Abolished working places Tax raising Not fulfilling promises He makes everything with low quality First mention All mentions Other 0 Nothing yet DK/NA 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
What are the three major failures of Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava? (April 006) N=00 Changing place of Agmashenebeli monumet.8 7. City pollution Trying to sell Youth Palace Traffic congestion Incident of V.Gelashvili Peoples' criticisms aren't taken into account Wreched houses aren't paid any attention Problem of roads and suburbs Unemployed people Less attention is paid on suburbs Building of monumet of St.George on Freedom Square.8 6..6.9...7...8..7..7..9..6..6 First mention All mentions Not caring about city's architecture Nothing yet..7.7 Other DK/NA 7.. 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 60 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 6
Do you feel the governor of your region is doing a good job and is working effectively to address the problems of your region or not? Very effectively Rather effectively Rather not effectively Not effectively at all DK/NA February 007 9 6 April 006 6 9 0 October 00 7 7 June 00 9 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 7
Do you know the name of the Majoritarian member of parliament of your rayon? (February 007) DK/NA % Yes 6% No 9% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8
In your opinion, is the Majoritarian member of parliament of your rayon doing a good job representing your interests in the parliament or not? (February 007) DK/NA 7% Yes, a good job % No, not a good job 0% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 9
What is your opinion about the role of women in Georgian society nowadays? Which statement comes closer to your own opinion? (February 007) DK/NA 0% Georgian women have too much power and influence in families and society 8% Georgian women do not have enough power and influence in families and society 6% Georgian women have the right amount of power and influence in families and society 6% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 60
Do you support or oppose bringing back Zviad Gamsakhurdia s body back for burial in Georgia? (February 007) Oppose % DK/NA 8% Support 89% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 6
Do you support or oppose the recently passed constitutional changes that limits the power of the president and makes the presidential and parliamentary elections on the same day in 008? (February 007) DK/NA % Oppose % Support % IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 6
Do you support or oppose the government s actions in putting up the golden St. George statue in Tbilisi s Freedom square? (February 007) Neither support nor oppose 6% DK/NA 9% Oppose 9% Support 6% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 6
You are probably aware of the scandal last autumn around Koba Davitashvili taking $0,000 from a person in the restaurant for the local election campaign. How do you feel about this? (February 007) DK/NA 7% Koba Davitashvili's actions were immoral % Have not heard about it 6% There was nothing wrong with this % IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 6
Are you satisfied with the court decision on the Gvirgvliani murder case or not? (February 007) Have not heard 0% DK/NA 8% Yes % No 78% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 6
In your opinion the recent local elections in Georgia were free and fair or not? (February 007) Completely not free and unfair 7% DK/NA % Yes, fully free and fair 0% To great extent not free and fair 0% To great extent free and fair 9% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 66
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 67
Evaluation of relations with (February 007) Good Neither good, nor bad Bad No answer Ukraine 9 USA 9 Azerbaijan 9 European Union 8 8 Turkey 8 7 Armenia 6 6 7 Iran 9 8 9 Russia 6 89 0 0 0 60 80 00 68 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Evaluation of relations with (April 006) Good Neither good, nor bad Bad No answer Ukraine 9 USA 9 Turkey 8 7 6 Azerbaijan 8 9 European Union 8 6 9 Armenia 69 0 6 Iran 9 0 8 Russia 6 90 0 0 0 60 80 00 69 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Which countries are the most important partners for Georgia? And which comprise the most political and economic threat? (February 007) Partners Threats 7 9 9 8 9 0 6 7 0 6 USA Ukraine Azerbaijan European Union Russia Turkey Armenia Iran DK IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 70
Which countries are the most important partners for Georgia? And which comprise the most political and economic threat? (April 006) Partners Threats 7 8 6 7 9 7 USA Ukraine Russia European Union Azerbaijan Turkey Armenia Iran DK IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 7
Will the Georgian government improve relations between Georgia and Russia? Is it... Very likely Somewhat likely Not very much likely Not at all likely No opinion 00 80 7 6 6 8 8 7 60 9 7 0 6 8 6 0 0 0 6 0 February 007 April 006 October 00 June 00 October 00 7 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Abkhazia and S. Ossetia should be: No opinion Independent Autonomies of Russian Fedaration Autonomies of Georgian state Ordinary regions of Georgia, without any autonomy 00 0.8 0.7 6 0. 0. 0. 80 8 60 0 0 60 6 60 66 0 Fenruary 007 April 006 October 00 June 00 October 00 7 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Means to deal with the problems of Abkhazia and South Ossetia: Negotiations and peaceful means Using force if necessary No opinion 00 90 6 8 9 0 9 80 70 9 90 89 86 88 60 0 February 007 April 006 October 00 June 00 October 00 7 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007
Which issue should be dealt with by the Georgian government first: status of Abkhazia or status of South Ossetia? Abkhazia South Ossetia Both at the same time DK/NA 00 90 6 7 7 7 80 0 7 70 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 8 8 0 February 007 April 006 October 00 June 00 October 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 7
When, if ever, do you think South Ossetia will be back under the full control of the Georgian government? In less than year In - years In -6 years In more than 6 years Never DK/NA 00 90 80 70 60 8 9 0 7 0 9 0 0 7 8 0 0 0 0 0 6 9 6 February 007 April 006 October 00 June 00 October 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 76
Is the government of Georgia properly handling the situation in South Ossetia or not? Yes Not DK/NA February 007 7 April 006 October 00 9 0 June 00 7 8 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 77
Is the government of Georgia properly handling the situation in Abkhazia or not? Yes Not DK/NA February 007 6 April 006 9 6 October 00 9 0 June 00 8 7 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 78
Should Georgia in the future (February 007) Definitely yes Probably yes Probably no Definitely no No opinion Join NATO 8 Join the European Union 6 8 Remain a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States 7 7 0 0 6 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 79
Should Georgia in the future (April 006) Definitely yes Probably yes Probably no Definitely no No opinion Join NATO 0 7 6 Join the European Union 7 Remain a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States 9 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 80
What do you expect from NATO membership? (up to three answers) Security guarantees 7 Restoration of the territorial integrity Social welfare Strengthening democracy 6 0 February 007 Other April 006 DK/NA 7 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8
Do you have sufficient information about NATO to make an informed decision about whether Georgia should join NATO? Sufficient information Insufficient information DK/NA February 007 9 7 8 April 006 7 8 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8
When do you think Georgia will become a member of NATO? DK/NA % In 008 6% Never % In 0 % In 00 0% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8
What in your opinion, hinders Georgia s membership in NATO? Existence of conflicts Russia 6 Not enough reforms 0 Chosen way of resolving conflicts peacefully 0 Violated territorial integrity Other DK/NA 0 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8
When do you think Georgia will become a member of the European Union? DK/NA % Next year 9% Never % In 0 years % In 0 years % In years % IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 8
If a referendum on Georgia leaving the Commonwealth of Independent States was held today, would you vote for Georgia to leave? Definitely for Georgia to leave Probably for Georgia to leave Probably against Georgia leaving Definitely against Georgia leaving Would not vote DK/NA 00 80 6 6 9 8 7 6 8 7 6 0 60 8 8 7 9 0 0 8 0 0 6 9 0 February 007 April 006 October 00 June 00 October 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 86
You probably heard that because Georgia is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Russia is not (but wants to be), the government of Georgia said it will block Russia s entry into the WTO until Georgian customs checkpoints are established at the Roki tunnel in South Ossetia and Leselidze-Adler border crossing in Abkhazia. Do you support or oppose the Georgian government in blocking Russia s WTO accession until issue is resolved? DK/NA 0% Oppose % Support % IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 87
What is your opinion about the Georgian government s handling of relations with Russia before and during the recent Russian sanctions and economic blockade? Georgian government did nothing right in relations with Russia % DK/NA % Georgian government handled everything correctly and was always right 9% Georgian government handled many things badly with Russia % Georgian government did some things right in its relations with Russia 6% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 88
How do you evaluate the government operation to take control of the Kodori Gorge and the subsequent handling of the area? It is a major failure % It is a failure 6% Have not heard about it 7% DK/NA 9% It is a major success % Neither success nor failure 6% It is a small success 0% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 89
How do you feel about the alternative South Ossetia government led by President Dimitri Sanakoev? Have not heard about it 7% DK/NA % This is a success. It is good for Georgian interests 7% It is not good for Georgian interests. It only contributes to destabilizing the situation 7% Neither success nor failure % IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 90
In your opinion, should the Georgian government fulfill the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe obligations and bring back Mekhsetan Turks to Georgia? Yes No DK/NA February 007 6 67 8 April 006 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 9
In your opinion, has the freedom of press in Georgia improved or gotten worse in the last six months? Improved a lot Improved somewhat Stayed the same Gotten worse somewhat Gotten worse a lot DK/NA 00 80 0 9 7 0 60 9 7 9 0 8 8 8 0 0 0 9 9 February 007 April 006 October 00 June 00 October 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 9
INSTITUTIONS IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 9
Confidence in institutions (February 007) Favorable Unfavorable No opinion Church 89 7 Army 86 7 7 Georgian media 8 7 Police 66 8 6 Central Bank 6 President's office 6 7 Georgian Parliament 6 8 6 Government (Cabinet of Ministers) 7 Education system 0 8 Local authorities 7 0 Political parties 6 0 Governors 6 Prosecutor's Office 9 7 Courts 6 Trade unions 7 7 6 Mafia network ("Thieves in Law") 0 67 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 9
Confidence in institutions (April 006) Favorable Unfavorable No opinion Church 9 6 Georgian media 87 8 Army 80 0 0 Police 70 7 Education system Central Bank 6 President's office 7 Georgian Parliament 9 Government (Cabinet of Ministers) 0 6 Political parties Local authorities 9 7 Prosecutor's Office 8 6 6 Courts 0 Governors 0 7 Trade unions 8 9 Mafia network ("Thieves in Law") 6 7 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 9
Values IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 96
In your opinion, is Georgia a tolerant society or not? Yes No DK/NA February 007 6 0 April 006 6 0 0 0 0 60 80 00 IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 97
SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHICS IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 98
Gender Male 6% Female % 0+ years old 7% Age groups 8-9 years old % 0-9 years old 9% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 99
University, higher % Education Primary % Unfinished secondary 6% Unfinished higher 6% Vocational % Secondary % State sector 0% Sector of employment Nongovermental Organization 0% Private sector 6% Don't work 7% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 00
Attendance of religious service Once a week % Once a month % A few times a week % A few times per year % Every day % Never % Muslim 9% Other % None % DK/NA 0.% Religion Catholic 0.6% Orthodox 86% IRI, USAID, Baltic Surveys / The Gallup Organization, IPM GEORGIAN NATIONAL VOTERS STUDY, February 007 0