Most Jordanians see country on right track — survey

AMMAN — An opinion poll on the state of democracy in the country showed that 60 per cent of Jordanians believe the country is on the right track, while 25 per cent believe things are going in the wrong direction.

The survey, conducted by the Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS) at the University of Jordan, found that these responses reflected a divergence of priorities and concerns.

Speaking at a press conference Wednesday, CSS Director Musa Shteiwi said the majority cited security, stability and their belief that the government is serious in implementing reform and combating corruption as the main reasons behind their optimism.

The quarter of the polled sample who believed otherwise said bad economic conditions, including poverty, unemployment and the high cost of living, in addition to the spread of corruption, favouritism and nepotism, were the main reasons for their decision.

The results also showed that bad economic conditions and high prices are the main factors motivating people to take part in protests, followed by feelings of injustice, inequality and concerns about safeguarding political, social and religious rights.

According to the survey, 63 per cent of Jordanians believed that the executive authority and its bodies interfered in judicial rulings in 2011, compared with 56 per cent in 2010.

Moreover, 61 per cent of the polled sample said individuals with political and economic influence also interfered in court decisions, compared with 55 per cent in 2010. Around one-third (32 per cent) of the 1,950 respondents believed they could criticise the government in the open, a 13 per cent increase over last year’s figure.

Regarding the best way to change government policy, 33 per cent of the respondents said demonstrations were the best option, 10 per cent favoured dialogue with the government and 7 per cent favoured using the media.

Also, 78 per cent of the polled sample believe that public rallies are the most appropriate way to change a government should the need arise, although more than 90 per cent said resorting to violence to achieve this goal was not acceptable.

A slim majority of 52 per cent said the Lower House was carrying out its role in terms of monitoring the government and holding it accountable, drafting laws and supervising public expenditures.

In terms of the House’s ability to combat corruption and influence public policy, however, the percentage saying they were capable of doing so fell to 48 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively.

As for the Parliament’s independence from the executive authority, 45 per cent of respondents said it was, but only 41 per cent believe that the House was doing a good job in connecting with the people.

While around one-fifth of the polled sample said they supported demonstrations taking part in the country and calls for political and economic reform, only 35 per cent had heard about the popular movements formed in the country in the past year.

jordantimes