Divergent perspectives on gov’t and opposition performances
The latest opinion poll conducted in Guyana reveals very high approval rating for President Irfaan Ali and his government and low confidence in the political opposition’s performance in holding the government accountable. The poll finds that APNU+AFC is slumping in popularity primarily because of its actions. The survey on contemporary issues was conducted by this writer just after the presentation of the budget in February through March end.
The poll, conducted for NACTA, had a sample size of 600 respondents reflecting the demographics of the population. Based on the findings of the survey, 65% of the nation approve of the performance of the government with 26% disapproving and 9% not offering a response. The population has expressed disappointment and displeasure in the political behavior of the opposition APNU+AFC with a minority reposing confidence in it as an alternative government in waiting. Only 29% said they approve of the performance of the opposition with 58% disapproving and 13% not offering a response. This contrasts sharply with the confidence people have in the job performance of Irfaan Ali as President with an approval rating of 69% and a disapproval rating of 24% with 7% not offering a response.
The sampled population also expressed strong approval of the government’s handling of the economy as well as Covid-19 lock down policies although they were not very pleased with the government’s handling of crime and security. Inflation and job creation were also major challenges for the government. The working class complained about frozen wages and difficulties to make ends meet. Expectations are very high for wage increase and another Covid-19 grant among the lower working class. Among the most highly rated Ministers are: Anil Nandlall, Colin Croal, Indar Deodat, Bishop Edghill, Nigel Dharamlall, Zulfi Mustapha, Vickram Bharrat, Kwame McCoy, Susan Rodrigues, and Sonia Pariag. Ministers Zulfi, Croal, and Indar are praised for their presence almost everywhere.
Asked if government should have invested more in agriculture in the latest budget, 68% said yes with only 17% disagreeing and 15% saying not sure. The population feel government should continue to focus on agriculture rather than depend on oil and gas to transform the economy. Asked if government has legal right to reverse the Exxon oil contract, responses were yes (30%), no (48%) and not sure (22%). The largest plurality or those who responded No (48%) and those not sure (22%) feel contracts with investors are legal and sacrosanct and it would be a violation of domestic and international law to violate the sanctity of a contract. It would impact on investment. It is felt that government can seek greater local content participation and national benefits in oil field development and extraction.
Almost every respondent in the poll condemned the caustic language and behaviour of some Members of Parliament during the budget debate. The public say the language of some MPs were disgusting and unacceptable. Respondents felt that the Speaker (of the Assembly) should not have tolerated those contributions and should have reprimanded the errant MPs, and/or suspend them from the House.