Jordan Times
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Survey shows majority of Jordanians understand benefits
of democracy
By Alia Shukri Hamzeh
AMMAN –— A majority of Jordanians have a clear
understanding about the benefits of a democratic system and are more than ready
for it, but a set of initiatives and plans is needed to further promote
democratisation rather than keep it at a standstill, pollster Mohammed Masri,
reported on Monday.
Masri, coordinator of the public opinion polling unit at the University of
Jordan’s Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS), told The Jordan Times that a survey
released Monday revealed that citizens have an advanced and sophisticated
understanding of the content of democratic rule in general and its indicators,
and believe that greater democracy will also lead to better economic conditions.
“What they seem to be still waiting for are concrete plans that will lead to the
aspired level of democracy,” he said.
Masri noted that the level of democracy, as perceived by Jordanians, is still
around half way with 5.8 points on a scale of 1-10 points defining the most
democratic of countries and those on the beginning of the road towards
democratisation.
The only time the level of democracy was evaluated above the six-point barrier
since 1993, was in 2005. The then-evaluated 6.2 points were seen as a result of
“the unprecedented, intensive, and courageous discussions and debates witnessed
in the country over many (political and freedoms related) topics that had not
been previously open for discussion.”
Monday’s poll showed that Jordanians were split between those who believe that
the level of democracy had improved from the previous three years and those who
said it was a standstill.
But the poll also notes that the majority is optimistic about an improved level
of democracy in the next three years.
“But this optimism has to be matched with the needed plans to move on,” Masri
said, adding that the results of the opinion poll on “reform” in Jordan should
be considered as a roadmap by governments on what should be done.
The poll showed that most Jordanians understand democracy as a concept closely
related to civil and political liberties, an understanding not different in
essence from the concept of democracy in advanced democratic countries.
More than two-thirds of respondents defined democracy as civil and political
freedoms (including freedom of expression and thought, press freedom, and
liberty to join parties, elect deputies and personal freedom). The majority of
the sampled 1,151 respondents said public freedoms are basic principles of
democracy.
But citizens were split over how certain public freedom principles are
guaranteed.
While a majority of respondents, surveyed between December 7 and 14, believe
that freedom of choice (election) and thought, as well as personal and religious
freedoms, are guaranteed, they were split over the certainty of freedom of
expression, press, joining organisations and organising public gatherings.
In addition, a little less than 50 per cent of respondents believe that freedom
to join political parties, setting up organisations and participating in
demonstrations are guaranteed in Jordan.
The poll also showed that a great majority of Jordanians prefer the democratic
system and reject the authoritarian system. Around 40 per cent of the
respondents stated that the “democratic political system” was also the best
system to improve their economic conditions, while a mere 2 per cent said an
authoritarian political system would improve their economic conditions.
“This data indicates that Jordanians have clear positions on the political
system they want and have unambiguous views regarding the political system they
want for their country,” said Masri.
He noted that a majority does not approve of a ruling system by religious
figures, saying that only 10 per cent said they believe their economic
conditions would improve under such a system.
The survey also revealed that 80 per cent of respondents believe in political
reform as the best method to improve their living standards.
While reflecting a positive outlook on democracy, respondents were negative in
regard to their economic conditions. Around 48.8 per cent evaluated the economic
situation as satisfactory, compared to 66.6 per cent who said it was better
three years ago. Around 47.4 per cent expected their economic condition to
improve in the next three years.
On Parliament, around 60 per cent described the last general polls as fair and
just. But the majority had a negative evaluation of Parliament’s performance.
Less than 50 per cent believe that the current Parliament does not practise its
authority of holding the government accountable, interacting with citizens, and
expressing people’s issues and problems. This evaluation reflects on the
respondents’ dissatisfaction with Parliament’s performance and lack of
confidence between the public and the Lower House.
The survey also tackled social issues including women’s rights, the relationship
between parents and children and the media.
On the media, 58.8 per cent said the public media was credible and portrays
opposing opinions and 65 per cent expected it be more credible in three years.