Zone 3- Summary of Global Polls- Week # 92. Dated 1st-7th Nov. 09'

EAST EUROPE

Russians Chide Government Actions on Economy
Only a handful of people in Russia think the government is doing a good job in tackling the effects of the global financial crisis, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. Just eight per cent of respondents say the Dmitry Medvedev administration is doing a good job in this area, down five points since October 2008.
November 04, 2009
Medvedev, Putin, Still Ride High in Russia
Russians continue to express confidence in the country’s president and prime minister, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. 72 per cent of respondents approve of Dmitry Medvedev performance as president, and 78 per cent approve of the leadership of Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin.
November 03, 2009
Poland Wants to Stick with Civic Platform
Many people in Poland want the governing Civic Platform (PO) party to stay in office, according to a poll by PBS DGA published in Gazeta Wyborcza. 49 per cent of respondents would vote for the conservative party in the next election, up one point since early October.
November 05, 2009
Hungarians Maintain Opposition to Socialists
The large majority of people in Hungary deny support to the governing Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP), according to a poll by Tarki. Only 17 per cent of respondents—all decided voters—would back the Socialists in the next legislative election, down one point since September.
November 06, 2009

WEST EUROPE

Swiss Favour Aviation-Fuel Tax Proposal
Many people in Switzerland support allocating tax revenues from aviation fuel exclusively to the aviation industry, according to a poll by the GfS Research Institute released by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. 42 per cent of respondents would cast a ballot supporting this proposal in this month’s referendum, while 26 per cent would vote against it.
November 05, 2009
Germans Oppose EU Access for Turkey
Most people in Germany are opposed to Turkey entering the European Union (EU), according to a poll by FG Wahlen released by ZDF. 62 per cent of respondents think Turkey should not be accepted into the EU, while 32 per cent think it should.
November 04, 2009
Opposition Democrats Inch Up in Italy
The main opposition force in Italy has gained some ground over the past two months, according to a poll by Digis. 37.3 per cent of respondents would vote for the centre-left alliance comprising the Democratic Party (PD) and Italy of Values (Lista di Pietro) in the next legislative election, up 4.3 points since mid-July.
November 03, 2009
Rivalry Continues in Denmark’s Political Scene
Denmark’s top two political parties remain in a dead heat, according to a poll by Catinét Research released by Ritzau. 25.3 per cent of respondents would support the governing Left, Liberal Party of Denmark (V) in the next general election, while 24.6 per cent would vote for the Social Democracy in Denmark (SD) party.
November 05, 2009

NORTH AMERICA

Generic Ballot Provides Clues for 2010 Vote
A recent Gallup poll and review of previous polls show that Republicans could have a good year in terms of increase in their popularity but it may be enough to get control over the House of Representatives in the coming midterm elections.
November 02, 2009
Blacks Far More Satisfied With U.S. Under Obama
Blacks' satisfaction with the direction of the country has surged since Barack Obama became president in January, while satisfaction among whites has increased by far less. Today close to half of black adults nationwide, 47%, say they are satisfied with the way things are going in the country. In mid-2008, the figure was 10%.
November 02, 2009
Public Divided Over Afghan Troop Requests, But Still Sees Rationale for War
A Pew Research Center survey taken in mid-September found a significant drop in the proportion of the public in favor of keeping U.S. troops in Afghanistan until the situation there is stable. Only half (50%) now choose that option, while 43% favor removing troops as soon as possible. As recently as June, 57% favored troop retention.
November 05, 2009
In U.S., Majority Now Say Obama’s Policies "Mostly Liberal"
A majority of Americans now see President Barack Obama as governing from the left. Specifically, 54% say his policies as president have been mostly liberal while 34% call them mostly moderate. This contrasts with public expectations right after Obama's election a year ago, when as many expected him to be moderate as to be liberal.
November 04, 2009
Political Climate for 2010 Not as Favorable to Democrats
Gallup's generic congressional ballot provides a summary measure of current voting intentions for Congress. This currently suggests the 2010 midterm elections could be highly competitive, and possibly a strong Republican year if usual turnout patterns prevail.
November 04, 2009
One Year After Election, Americans Less Sure About Obama
Americans are much less positive than they were a year ago that President Barack Obama will be able to accomplish a number of challenges facing his administration. In particular, far fewer Americans believe he will be able to heal political divisions and control federal spending.
November 03, 2009
Future of Monarchy Splits Views in Canada
A third of Canadians believe their country should no longer have a monarch, according to a poll by Angus Reid released by the Toronto Star. 35 per cent of respondents would prefer for Canada to have an elected head of state.
November 03, 2009

LATIN AMERICA

Most Chileans Approve of Death Penalty
The majority of people in Chile are in favour of applying the death penalty in their country, according to a poll by Ipsos. 62.5 per cent of respondents agree with capital punishment in Chile, while 36.7 per cent oppose it.
November 06, 2009
Fewer Chileans, But Still a Majority, Favour Euthanasia
Opposition to euthanasia has grown in Chile but supporters of this course of action are still the majority, according to a poll by Ipsos. 57 per cent of respondents agree with "assisted death" in cases of terminal or incurable diseases, down 7.5 points since June.
November 04, 2009
Chávez Should Leave in 2012, Say Venezuelans
Most people in Venezuela think Hugo Chávez should only stay in office until the end of his current term, according to a poll by Hinterlaces. 61 per cent of respondents want Chávez to step down in 2012, whereas 34 per cent would allow him to stay as president until 2021.
November 04, 2009

GLOBAL POLL

End of Communism Cheered But Now With More Reservations
Nearly two decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, publics of former Iron Curtain countries generally look back approvingly at the collapse of communism. Majorities of people in most former Soviet republics and Eastern European countries endorse the emergence of multiparty systems and a free market economy but with less enthusiasm than before.
November 02, 2009

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The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.

Zone 3- Summary of Global Polls- Week # 91. Dated 24th-31st Oct 09'

EAST EUROPE
Armenians Reject Establishing Ties with Turkey
Most people in Armenia think their country should not establish ties with neighbouring Turkey, according to a poll by the Armenian Sociological Association. 52 per cent of respondents oppose relations with Turkey, while 39 per cent support them.
November 02, 2009

WEST EUROPE
Dutch Expect Mission in Afghanistan to Continue
Most people in the Netherlands think their country’s soldiers will continue to serve for some time in the international force fighting in Afghanistan, according to a poll by Maurice de Hond. 27 per cent of respondents say the Dutch mission in Urguzan will be extended, whereas 31 per cent say the mission will continue, but with fewer soldiers.
November 02, 2009
French Frustrated with Sarkozy’s Performance
A large majority of people in France are critical of the performance of president Nicolas Sarkozy, according to a poll by Ifop published in Le Journal du Dimanche. 61 per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with the president’s work, up one point since September.
November 01, 2009
Swiss Divided on Ban on War Materiel Exports
The outcome of a referendum on whether Switzerland should ban the export of some weapons and war materiel is uncertain, according to a poll by the GfS Research Institute released by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. 41 per cent of respondents would vote in favour of the ban in the November plebiscite, while 44 per cent would vote against it.
October 29, 2009
Swiss Majority Oppose Banning of Minarets
A referendum proposing that the construction of minarets be banned in Switzerland might not be successful, according to a poll by the GfS Research Institute released by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. 34 per cent of respondents would vote in favour of this proposal, while 53 per cent would vote against it in next month’s ballot.
October 28, 2009
Economy, Unemployment Main Worries in UK
People in Britain have two key concerns, according to a poll by Angus Reid . 28 per cent of respondents think the economy is the most important issue facing the United Kingdom right now, while 17 per cent mention unemployment.
October 25, 2009
Britons Oppose Tory All-Women Shortlists
Many adults in Britain reject a proposal to impose all-women shortlists on local Conservative parties in some constituencies, according to a poll by Angus Reid . 58 per cent of respondents oppose relying on this system to select candidates for election to the House of Commons.
October 29, 2009
German Election Doesn’t Alter Preferences
Germany’s top five political parties have practically the same level of support they had before going into an election last month, according to a poll by FG Wahlen released by ZDF. 38 per cent of respondents would vote for the governing Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) and its associate Bavarian Christian-Social Party (CSU) in the next election to the Federal Diet.
October 28, 2009

NORTH AMERICA
Despite Positive Signs, Americans Still Negative on Job Market
A review of Gallup Inc. data shows that American workers have been reporting a slightly more positive hiring situation at their companies since July, but that there has been no change in the percentage of Americans who say it is a good time to find a quality job. When Gallup last asked directly about the stimulus in August, 41% felt that the stimulus plan had produced a positive short-term effect on the economy.
October 30, 2009
Canadians Support Action Against Polygamists
A majority of people in Canada want the members of a polygamous group that lives in a British Columbia community to face prosecution, according to a poll by Angus Reid . 64 per cent of respondents believe bigamy, or being legally married to more than one person, is a criminal offence.
November 02, 2009
Views on National Economy Improve in Canada
Canadians are becoming more optimistic about the country’s finances, according to a poll by Angus Reid . 49 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in Canada as good or very good, up 12 points since late June.
October 24, 2009
Americans Back Holding Guantanamo Trials in U.S.
Many adults in the United States agree with allowing prisoners currently being held at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility to face trial in a U.S. court, according to a poll by Angus Reid . 52 per cent of respondents agree with this idea, while 36 per cent disagree.
October 29, 2009
Little “Obama Effect” on Views About Race Relations
A majority of Americans, 56%, believe that a solution to America's race-relations problem will eventually be worked out -- a figure that is roughly the same as those Gallup Inc. found in the years prior to last fall's historic election of Barack Obama as president.
October 29, 2009
U.S. Investor Optimism Down Slightly in October
Although the Dow Jones average hit 10,000 earlier this month, the Gallup Inc. Index of Investor Optimism -- a broad measure of investor perceptions -- gave up its modest 5-point September gain, falling back to its August level of +9.
October 29, 2009
Americans on Healthcare Reform
Americans are closely divided on the issue of passing comprehensive healthcare reform, meaning that public opinion offers no real political advantage to either champions or opponents of the idea.
October 30, 2009

SOUTH AMERICA
Chileans Still Opposed to Legalizing Marijuana
Most people in Chile would reject the legalization of marijuana in the country, according to a poll by Ipsos. 56.5 per cent of respondents oppose legalizing the drug under any circumstances, down one point since June.
October 29, 2009
In Honduras, Instability, Fear of Civil War Preceded Deal
Gallup Inc. surveyed Hondurans in July, days after troops deposed Zelaya from office, and found 71% of Hondurans saying the political situation in their country is not stable at all, up from 47% in 2008.
October 30, 2009

AUSTRALASIA
New Zealanders Regret Drinking Age Change
A large majority of people in New Zealand say that lowering the drinking age from 20 to 18 a decade ago was not a good idea, according to a poll by Research New Zealand. 74 per cent of respondents say this change has had a negative effect in the country’s society.
October 27, 2009

MULTI-COUNTRY POLLS
Americans, Britons Decline Swine Flu Shot
Many people in the United States and Britain will forego inoculation against the H1N1 influenza, according to a three-country poll by Angus Reid . 51 per cent of Americans, and 50 per cent of Britons, do not plan to be immunized against the Swine Flu.
October 27, 2009
Europeans Tend to Care More Strongly about Climate Change than Americans
A new Financial Times/Harris Poll in the United States and the five largest European countries finds that Americans under 65 are less likely than Europeans to see climate change as a major threat, to see the need for a new international agreement on climate change as a top priority or to favor increased aid to developing countries to help them deal with climate change. However, most people in all six countries agree, when asked, that signing a new treaty on climate change should be one of our top priorities.
October 22, 2009
Many in Europe Want Gov’t Intervention in Financial Crises
With confidence in financial institutions declining in many parts of Europe , Gallup Inc. finds that many Europeans favor government intervention to address problems in the financial sector.
October 26, 2009
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The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.

Zone 3- Summary of Global Polls- Week # 90. Dated 18th-24th Oct 09'

EAST EUROPE

United Russia is Only Party in Voters’ Minds
Russia’s governing party has practically no opponents, according to a poll by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 56 per cent of respondents would vote for United Russia (YR) in the next election to the State Duma, up two points since September.
October 20, 2009

Romanian Presidential Election May Need Run-Off
No candidate running for next month’s presidential election in Romania appears to have enough votes to secure a victory in the first round, according to a poll by CURS. 32 per cent of respondents would vote for incumbent Traian Basescu in the upcoming ballot, down one point since August.
October 21, 2009

Romanians Would Legalize Prostitution
Most people in Romania agree with legalizing prostitution in their country, according to a poll by eResearch Corp. 56 per cent of respondents share this opinion, while 37 per cent disagree.
October 20, 2009

Romanians Say No to Legalizing Soft Drugs
Most people in Romania are against the legalization of "light" drugs, according to a poll by eResearch Corp. 59 per cent of respondents disagree with this idea, while 34 per cent agree with it.
October 18, 2009

Poles Continue to Support Ruling Civic Platform
Poland’s Civic Platform (PO) party remains the most popular organization in the country, according to a poll by PBS DGA published in Gazeta Wyborcza. 48 per cent of respondents would vote for the governing party in the next general election, up three points since July.
October 20, 2009

WEST EUROPE

Just One-in-Four Britons Approve of Brown
Britain’s incumbent head of government holds a low level of public support, according to a poll by Angus Reid . Only 26 per cent of respondents approve of Gordon Brown’s performance as prime minister.
October 23, 2009

Conservatives Dominate in UK Political Scene
The Conservatives party holds a double-digit lead in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid . 40 per cent of respondents would vote for the Tories in the next general election.
October 22, 2009

Fewer French Express Confidence in Sarkozy
Fewer people in France now have confidence in Nicolas Sarkozy’s leadership, according to a poll by CSA published in Le Parisien. 41 per cent of respondents express trust in the president’s ability to face national issues, while 52 per cent have no confidence in him.
October 22, 2009

Embattled Minister Should Not Quit, Say French
A large majority of people in France say culture minister Frédéric Mitterrand should not tender his resignation following a sex scandal, according to a poll by BVA released by Canal+. 67 per cent of respondents share the view that Mitterrand should stay in his post.
October 19, 2009

Swiss Would Vote Against Banning Minarets
Most people in Switzerland could vote down a proposal to ban the construction of minarets in the country in an upcoming referendum, according to a poll by Isopublic published in Tages-Anzeiger. 51.3 per cent of respondents would vote against the so-called Minaret Initiative in next month’s plebiscite, up 2.4 points since April.
October 19, 2009

Swedish Right and Left Coalitions Stay Close
Only a small margin separates Sweden’s two major coalitions, according to a poll by Synovate published in Dagens Nyheter. 48.8 per cent of respondents would vote for the opposition centre-left parties in the next general election, while 45.1 per cent would back the governing parties in the centre-right.
October 20, 2009

NORTH AMERICA

Fewer Americans See Solid Evidence of Global Warming
Pew finds a sharp decline over the past year in the percentage of Americans who say there is solid evidence that global temperatures are rising. And fewer also see global warming as a very serious problem -- 35% say that today, down from 44% in April 2008.
October 22, 2009

About One in Six Americans Report History of Depression
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index reveals that 17% of respondents -- or about 40 million American adults -- report having been diagnosed with depression. The results are from more than 250,000 interviews conducted in 2009 as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.
October 22, 2009

Many Gun Owners Think Obama Will Try to Ban Gun Sales
A new Gallup Inc. poll may explain recent reports of increased gun and ammunition sales in the U.S. Majorities of those who personally own a gun (55%) and of those with a gun in the household (53%), as well as 41% of all Americans, believe that President Obama "will attempt to ban the sale of guns in the United States while he is president."
October 20, 2009

U.S. Support for Legalizing Marijuana Reaches New High
Gallup's October Crime poll finds 44% of Americans in favor of making marijuana legal and 54% opposed. U.S. public support for legalizing marijuana was fixed in the 25% range from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, but acceptance jumped to 31% in 2000 and has continued to grow throughout this decade.
October 19, 2009

Obama Was Not Born in U.S., Republicans Say
Three-in-ten Americans think their current head of state was not born in the United States, according to a poll by Angus Reid . 70 per cent of respondents believe Barack Obama was born in the U.S., while 30 per cent do not.
October 22, 2009

Views on National Economy Improve in Canada
Canadians are becoming more optimistic about the country’s finances, according to a poll by Angus Reid . 49 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in Canada as good or very good, up 12 points since late June.
October 24, 2009

LATIN AMERICA

Many Peruvians Open to Abortion in Some Cases
Many people in Peru are in favour of allowing a woman to terminate her pregnancy in some special cases, according to a poll by Ipsos, Apoyo, Opinión y Mercado published in El Comercio. 58 per cent of respondents agree with allowing an abortion when the life of the mother is in danger, while 38 per cent disagree.
October 22, 2009

Uruguayan Left Alliance Well Placed for Sunday Vote
Uruguay’s ruling coalition of left-wing parties has a good chance to claim victory in this Sunday’s ballot, according to a poll by Interconsult published in Últimas Noticias. 44 per cent of respondents would vote for the Progressive Encounter - Broad Front (EP-FA).
October 21, 2009

Hondurans Want Micheletti to Step Down
Most people in Honduras think interim president Roberto Micheletti should resign, according to a poll by COIMER&OP. 60.1 per cent of respondents say the de-facto head of state should step down, while 22.2 per cent disagree.
October 19, 2009

GLOBAL POLL

Climate Change, Human Rights Top Sustainability Priorities for Business Leaders at BSR Conference
Climate change and human rights are the most significant priorities for business’ sustainability efforts in the year ahead, according to the “BSR/GlobeScan State of Sustainable Business Poll 2009” of 274 business leaders from 15 countries who attended the BSR Conference 2009.
October 22, 2009

U.S. Leadership Gets Approval Boost in Parts of Europe
Approval of U.S. leadership increased significantly in seven of eight European countries between Gallup Inc. surveys conducted before and after President Barack Obama's administration took office earlier this year. In most of these countries, however, significant minorities do not have an opinion on the new administration.
October 19, 2009

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The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.