Strong approval for President & Gov’t in poll

Dear Editor,
The latest opinion poll conducted in Guyana reveals very strong approval rating for President Irfaan Ali and his Government, and low confidence in the political opposition’s performance in holding the Government accountable. The poll finds that APNU/AFC is slumping in popularity primarily because of its actions. The survey on contemporary issues was conducted by this writer just after the presentation of the budget in February thru end of March.
The poll, conducted for NACTA, had a sample size of 600 respondents, reflecting the demographics of the population. Based on the findings of the survey, 65% of the nation approve of the performance of the Government, with 26% disapproving and 9% not offering a response.
The population has expressed disappointment and displeasure in the political behaviour of the Opposition APNU+AFC, with a minority reposing confidence in it as an alternative Government in waiting. Only 29% said they approve of the performance of the Opposition with 58% disapproving and 13% not offering a response.
This contrasts sharply with the confidence people have in the job performance of President Irfaan Ali, who has an approval rating of 69% and a disapproval rating of 24% with 7% not offering a response.
The public also expressed strong approval of the Government’s handling of the economy as well as COVID lock down policies, although they are not very pleased with the Government’s handling of crime and security. Inflation and job creation are also major challenges for the Government. The working class complain about frozen wage and difficulties to make ends meet. Expectations are very high for wage increase and another COVID grant among the lower working class.
Asked if Government should have invested more in agriculture in the latest budget, 68% said yes with only 17% disagreeing and 15% saying not sure. The population feels Government should continue to focus on agriculture rather than depend on oil and gas to transform the economy.
Asked if they think Government has legal right to reverse the Exxon oil contract, the population is divided, with 30% saying yes, 48% saying no, and 22% not sure. The largest plurality and those unsure feel contracts with investors are legal and sacrosanct, and it would be a violation of domestic and international law to violate the sanctity of a contract. It would impact on investment.
It is felt that Government can seek greater local content participation and national benefits in oil field development and extraction.
Almost every respondent in the poll condemned the caustic language and behavior of some Members of Parliament during the budget debate. The public say the language of some MPs was disgusting and unacceptable. They feel the Speaker of the Assembly should not have tolerated those contributions, and should have reprimanded the errant MPs and/or suspend them from the House.

Yours truly
Vishnu Bisram