[Palestinian] PSR Latest Opinion Poll No. 5 (18-21 August 02)
Date: 26 August 2002
Press Release
Results of PSR Poll - August 2002
WHILE SHARPLY DIVIDED OVER THE CEASEFIRE AND BOMBING ATTACKS AGAINST
CIVILIANS, AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY SUPPORTS POLITICAL REFORM BUT HAVE
DOUBTS ABOUT THE PA'S INTENTIONS TO IMPLEMENT IT

The Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) has conducted a
public opinion poll in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip during the period
between 18-20 August 2002. A representative sample of 1320 adults were
interviewed face-to-face, in 120 locations, with a sample error of 3%.

For more details, contact PSR director, Khalil Shikaki (+972 2 296 4933;
kshikaki@pcpsr.org). The following are the main results:

Arafat's popularity reaches 34%, compared to 35% in May, 36% in December
2001, 33% in July 2001, and 46% in July 2000 (before the intifada). The
popularity of Marwan Barghouti increases from 19% in May to 23% today.
Barghouti's popularity stood at 11% in December 2001. Fateh's popularity
decreases to 26% compared to 32% last May, 28% in December 2001, and 37% in
July 2000. Popularity of the Islamist groups increases to 27% compared to
25% in May 2002 and December 2001, and 17% in July 2001.

48% support, and 50% oppose, the gradual implementation of a ceasefire and
Israeli army withdrawal. Moreover, 43% support, and 53% oppose, internal
Palestinian efforts aiming at ending bombing attacks against civilians
inside Israel. The percentage of support for such attacks (52%) is identical
with that obtained last May, while it stood at 58% in December 2001.

70% (compared to 67% last May, and 61% in December 2001) believe that armed
confrontations have helped achieve
Palestinian national rights in ways that negotiations could not.

A majority of 73% supports reconciliation between the Israeli and
Palestinian peoples after reaching a peace agreement based on the
establishment of a Palestinian state recognized by Israel.

[IMRA: PSR did not examine in this survey what the elements are required in
such an agreement.]

31% support, and 65% oppose, a Jordanian and Egyptian security role in the
West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Support for such role increases in the Gaza
Strip to 36% and decreases in the West Bank to 28%.

31% believe that Jordan is right, and 66% believe that it is wrong, in
putting obstacles making it difficult for Palestinians to travel to Jordan.
In the meanwhile, only 19% say that conditions in the West Bank and Gaza
forces them to seek permanent emigration. Belief that Jordan is right
increases in the Gaza Strip to 41% and decreases in the West Bank to 24%.

A large majority of 84% supports fundamental reforms in the Palestinian
Authority, while 69% support, and 22% oppose, the appointment or election of
a Palestinian prime minister. But only 44% support, and 48% oppose, changing
the Palestinian political system so that power would resides in the hands of
a prime minister while the office of the president would become ceremonial.
Only 25% have confidence in the new government's ability to reform internal
conditions and deal with Israel, and only 34% believe that the government
has the intention to implement the One-Hundred Day Program for political and
financial reform.

A large percentage of 85% believes that corruption exists in PA
institutions, and among those, only 30% are convinced that the efforts of
the finance minister to unify PA revenue and expenditure operations would
eliminate financial corruption.
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This PSR survey was conducted with the support of the Konrad Adenauer
Foundation in Ramallah.

End of Press Release
PSR