Kurds take on bold issues in a survey

Topics ranging from the economy to security are covered in a survey by Kurdistan Institute for Political Issues.

People in Kurdistan Region were surveyed on subjects including the government, President, Parliament, security, economy, and opposition parties.

The Kurdistan Institute for Political Issues conducted the survey in which 1,000 people (628 males and 352 females) from all over Kurdistan Region participated. The participants were remarkably satisfied with the security situation in the Region. The survey focused on 2010.

Economy

Forty-two percent said their economic situation did not change in 2010; 18 percent said they became poorer in 2010 than in previous years; and 36 percent said their economic situation improved in 2010.

The majority complained about inflation and demanded government interfere and organize markets. Unemployment was second and housing was third as the most complained-about issues. It is worth mentioning that in 2009, the housing problem was ranked first in a survey conducted by the same institute.

Kurdistan Region and political parties' interference

A majority of participants said political parties in Kurdistan meddle in government affairs. Thirty-five percent said this interference in 2010 was the same as 2009, while 33 percent believe it increased in 2010. Meanwhile, 24 percent believe interference decreased in 2010, and 6 percent believe political parties do not interfere in government affairs at all.

Forty-six percent described government services to the people as "medium"; 25 percent were not happy with services provided in 2010, describing it as "low"; and 19 percent said the government has provided a "high level" of services to the people.

Surprisingly, 22 percent of participants said they are not aware of government activities; 41 percent described the government as a "good government," and 35 percent said it was a "weak government without a program."

About the president

Fifty-five percent said they are "pleased" with Massoud Barzani, President of Kurdistan Region; 27 percent said they are "a little bit pleased with Barzani"; and 17 percent said they are "not pleased at all."

Opposition parties and Parliament

Thirty-three percent of participants were pleased with opposition parties" activities; they said the opposition parties work "to show the government's failure." However, 26 percent said opposition parties" activities "are just to show off," and 23 percent said the opposition parties "only criticize the government while they do not have any reform plan."

The survey showed that many people believe Kurdistan Parliament "does not represent them"; 35.92 percent said Parliament in 2010 "was not active and did not represent us," and 35.31 percent said Parliament "was active and did represent us." Also, 28 percent were not aware of Parliament activities.

Security

The survey showed that a majority of participants are happy with the security situation in Kurdistan Region. Sixty-five percent said 2010 was a very stable year in terms of security; 31 percent said it was stable at certain level; and 3 percent expressed dissatisfaction with the security situation.