IRI Releases Results of Latest Public-Opinion Poll

Phnom Penh
February 17, 2009

IRI Logo

The International Republican Institute (IRI) released the results of its latest survey of Cambodian public opinion on February 17, 2009.  Funded by the United States through USAID, the poll gauged the opinions of 2,000 Cambodians on issues such as the direction of the country and confidence in last July’s National Assembly election.   The poll was conducted between October 22 and November 25, 2008.

IRI is using the poll data to refine its programs with political parties, youth and human rights; to educate leaders on how to use poll results as a tool of democracy; and to reveal political opportunities that exist in responding to voter desires.

Before releasing the results publicly, IRI presented the findings to five of Cambodia’s leading political parties and Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and the Council of Ministers.

A few highlights by topic:

Direction of the Country

82% of Cambodians said the country was moving in the right direction, mainly because of the infrastructure they see being built.

17% said the country was moving in the wrong direction, citing corruption as the greatest hindrance to their country’s future, followed by the high price of goods.

National Assembly Election

88% of respondents said they voted in last July’s National Assembly election.

75% said they were confident the election process treated all parties fairly and equally, while 17% were not confident.

When asked about the differences between the political parties, 33% saw no difference, 22% said they didn’t know, while only 4% cited the issues the parties talked about.

Selecting Village Chiefs

85% said village residents should elect village chiefs, while 8% said commune councilors should appoint them, as is currently the case.

Food Security

16% in urban areas said they did not have enough food to eat at least once a week, while 26% in rural areas said they did not.

76% said at least half of the money they spent each month went toward food.