Jordan Times, 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.