1 National Poll of Jordanian Public Opinion Dr. Musa Shteiwi Jordan Center for Social Research An Independent, Non-Profit Think Tank Amman – Jordan on Democracy & Political Reform in Jordan

2 Contents  Poll Objectives  Poll Process  Poll Outcomes

3 Poll Objectives  The most important challenges facing Jordanian society.  The best practices for promoting and implementing reform.  Attitudes towards justice and procedural fairness.  Reasons for maintaining the governmental status quo or for changing government.  Support for various political tendencies.  Support for maintaining or amending the current Election Law.  Perceptions of political rights and freedoms.  Women’s participation in public and political life.  Attitudes towards Professional unions.  Conceptions of social differences and diversity. The main objective of the Poll is to examine the Jordanian people’s opinion regarding some of the issues related to the process of democratic transformation and political reform

4 Poll Sample  The sample consisted of 1000 persons (50% males and 50% females) who are 18 years or older.  The sampling methodology used was a random cluster sample which included 100 sites all over the Kingdom.  The frame of the 2004 census was used.  The field work for the Poll was conducted on July 25-31, 2005 by Middle East Marketing & Research Consultants, a private opinion and market research company based in Amman.  The Poll was conducted with the support of the International Republican Institute (IRI).

5 Summary of the Poll’s Most Important Findings

6 Generally speaking, are things in Jordan going in the right or the wrong direction?

7 Taking all things into consideration, what is the most important problem that Jordan faces today?

8 The three most important political problems facing Jordan today that require the Government’s immediate attention:

9 Which statement of each of the following pairs of statements is closer to your opinion?

10 Think of a situation in which many people are dissatisfied with the government and want to change it. Which of the following do you consider appropriate or not appropriate?

11 A government can use different methods to protect its ability to govern a country. Which of the following methods do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, do not agree, or do not agree at all with?

12 In which of the following situations has one a good chance to get just and fair treatment?

13 If there were elections for the Jordanian parliament which political tendency would you most likely vote for?

14 Are you in favor of keeping the parliamentary election law of 2003 or changing it? 43% of those who supported changing the law, suggested changing it to a multiple voting system.

15 If municipal elections were held in the near future, would you vote?

16 To which extent do you believe the following freedoms are guaranteed in Jordan?

17 Attitudes toward women’s participation in public life

18 Do you agree or disagree with the following forms of women’s political participation?

19 To what extent do you support a women’s quota in the following institutions?

20 What is your opinion on the existing women’s quota in parliament?

21 The professional associations (unions) conduct many activities and perform many responsibilities. Are you satisfied or not satisfied with the overall conduct of the associations?

22 Solely a Professional Role or Both Political and Professional Roles? Obligatory or Voluntary Membership? Professional Associations

23 Which of the following differences do you feel is the greatest in Jordan?

24 In the last 10 years has the difference between rich and poor in this country…..?

25 In the next year, will you and your family be better off or worse off than you are now?