PSR - Survey Research Unit: Poll No. 6 - Press Release

Date: 28 November 2002

Press Release

Results of PSR Poll - November 2002

WHILE INDICATING IMPORTANT SHIFTS IN PALESTINIAN PUBLIC ATTITUDES TOWARD THE INTIFADA AND THE PEACE PROCESS, PSR POLL SHOWS SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A PRIME MINISTER AND REFUSAL TO GIVE CONFIDENCE IN THE NEW PALESTINIAN GOVERNMENT

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 14-22 November 2002. A representative sample of 1319 adults were interviewed face-to-face, in 120 locations, with a 3% margin of error.

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

  • A majority of 54% support, and 42% oppose, the plan known as the "Road Map."

  • Despite the fact that no change has been registered on public attitude toward violence, 76% support the mutual cessation of violence by Palestinians and Israelis. Last August, only 48% supported a gradual ceasefire between the two sides.

  • Despite the fact that 82% are worried that it might lead to internal strife, a majority of 56% supports taking measures by the PA to prevent armed attacks against Israelis inside Israel after reaching an agreement on mutual cessation of violence. Last May, a large majority of 86% opposed the arrest of those who organize suicide attacks inside Israel. The current support for security measures against those who carry out armed attacks inside Israel is similar to the one registered in March 1996 (59%) in the aftermath of the suicide attacks carried out by Islamists in February and March of that year.

  • A majority of 73% believes that a PA failure to take measures to prevent armed attacks inside Israel, after reaching an agreement on mutual cessation of violence, would impede the return to the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis.

  • 73% support, and 24% oppose, the appointment or election of a Palestinian prime minister, while 51% refuse (and 40% accept) to give confidence in the new Palestinian government.

  • Yasir Arafat's popularity remains unchanged at 35%, while that of Marwan Barghouti reaches 21%. Fateh's popularity stands at 27% while that of the Islamist groups at 25%, and 43% remain non-affiliated with any political faction.

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This PSR survey was conducted with the support of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Ramallah.

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