Dear Editor,
In office for a mere two years, the APNU/AFC coalition has seen its approval rating fall precipitously from when it was first installed in government in May 2015. The approval ratings (how well people feel they do their job) of President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo have also declined, while that of the Opposition Leader (as well as his political stock) has risen.
The coalition entered office with a large reservoir of goodwill and a large majority approval rating (that included traditional supporters from the opposition PPP). At the time, almost everyone said the coalition deserved a chance when it took over power, and they wanted the APNU/AFC Government to succeed, to bring better governance from what many complain was arrogance by the leadership of the predecessor administration. Instead, with just over two years completed, voters now complain about one misstep after another, and corruption under this administration; saying there is similar hubris, arrogance, and lack of accountability as existed under the preceding government.
The opinion poll was conducted early this month by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association. The findings were obtained from interviews with 430 voters, to reflect the general demographics of the population (41% Indians, 31% Africans, 17% Mixed, 10% Amerindians, 1% others). There is a margin of error of 4%.
Asked if they are satisfied with the performance of the government, only 23% said yes, with 68% saying no.
This new opinion poll shows just 39% of Guyanese now approve of the job President Granger is doing, while 50% disapprove. The survey finds 34% approve of the job Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is doing, with 53% disapproving. Fifty-four percent approve of the job Bharrat Jagdeo is doing, with 36% disapproving. The dip in support for the President has to do with, among other things, his reluctance to rein in errant ministers and government officials and crack down on corruption; while the PM’s low approval rating stems largely from his unwillingness to demand APNU enforcement of the conditions in the Cummingsburg Accord, and address sugar workers’ issues.
Voters express widespread dissatisfaction over the Government’s handling of a number of matters, including the economy, crime, race relations, appointment of Gecom Chair, corruption, GuySuCo, SOCU and SARU investigations, etc.
Voters also said they are not pleased with the functioning of Parliament. A large majority say the Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, has been biased (in favour of the ruling coalition) in his presiding over Parliament.
Asked if they think SOCU/SARU has been politically targeting PPP affiliates for fraud investigation, 56% said yes, with 36% saying no. Asked if SOCU/SARU should also investigate PNC/AFC officials for corruption, 61% said yes, with 32% saying no.
The poll also queried respondents on how they would vote if an election were held. The findings will be released in a subsequent report.
Sincerely,
Vishnu Bisram
