Results of Opinion Poll # 26
Birzeit University - Development Studies Programme
Date of Publication: 29/04/2006

The Palestinian Government
International Funding

Dates of fieldwork: 19/4/2006
Sample Size: 630 Palestinians in the West Bank & Gaza
Number of Sampling Localities: 43
Margin of error: + 4%

Highlights

· 63% support a National Unity Government, while 24% support the
continuation of a Hamas-led government.

· There is a decline in the percentage of voters willing to vote for
Hamas from 50% to 44%. The Fateh vote continues at 34%.

· 53% say that they are satisfied with the outcome of the latest PLC
elections, compared with 59% (20 days ago).

· 41% believe that the Hamas win will positively impact internal
conditions, compared with 59% (20 days ago).

· There is a drop in the evaluation of President Abbas from 54% to
43%; and for Prime Minister Haniyyeh from 64% to 57%.

· 32% evaluate the performance of the Hamas-led Government as "good."

· 30% believe that the current government is handling the issue of
international funding in an appropriate manner.

· 29% think that Hamas should recognize Israel and continue to
receive funding from international sources as done previously, while 64%
disagree.

* For further information or queries, contact team coordinator Dr.
Nader Said or Polling coordinator Ayman Abdul Majeed at the listed address
or through our website: http://home.birzeit.edu/dsp.

* Many thanks go to our field researchers, and the International
Republican Institute (IRI) for their support.