Public Opinion Survey Residents of Georgia September-October 2019 Detailed Methodology
• The field work was carried out by Institute of Polling & Marketing. The survey was coordinated by Dr. Rasa Alisauskiene of the public and market research company Baltic Surveys/The Gallup Organization on behalf of the International Republican Institute’s Center for Insights in Survey Research.
• Data was collected throughout Georgia between September 11 and October 14, 2019, through face-to-face interviews at respondents’ homes.
• The sample consisted of 1,500 permanent residents of Georgia older than the age of 18 and eligible to vote. It is representative of the general population by age, gender, region and size of the settlement.
• Multistage probability sampling method was used with the random route and next birthday respondent’s selection procedures. • Stage one: All districts of Georgia are grouped into 10 regions. All regions of Georgia were surveyed (Tbilisi city – as separate region). • Stage two: selection of the settlements – cities and villages. • Settlements were selected at random. The number of selected settlements in each region was proportional to the share of population living in a particular type of the settlement in each region. • Stage three: primary sampling units were described.
• The margin of error does not exceed plus or minus 2.5 percent and the response rate was 69 percent.
• The achieved sample is weighted for regions, gender, age and urbanity.
• Charts and graphs may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding.
• The survey was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
2 National Outlook In general, would you say that our country is heading in the right direction or in the wrong direction?
Right direction Wrong direction Don't know/No answer 80%
70% 68% 70% 67% 65% 65% 65% 66% 63% 63% 60% 58% 59% 60% 57% 56% 57% 56% 55% 54% 55% 51% 48% 48% 48% 50% 50% 47% 43% 43% 38% 42% 40% 41% 41% 41% 41% 32% 33% 39% 31% 31% 36% 29% 30% 25% 27% 24% 24% 25% 22% 22% 23% 22% 27% 26% 21% 20% 25% 16% 22% 19% 19% 20% 16% 16% 16% 10% 14% 15% 14% 12% 13% 13% 12% 13% 10% 10% 10% 11% 11% 11% 11% 11% 11% 11% 10% 6% 0%
4 How would you evaluate the prevailing mood of the Georgian population? Optimistic Neutral Pessimistic 100% 92% 92% 87% 88% 90% 83% 81% 82% 78% 76% 76% 77% 80% 75% 74% 73% 72% 70% 68% 66% 70% 64% 65% 62% 59% 60% 60% 60%
50%
40% 33% 30% 29% 29% 30% 24% 25% 25% 24% 22% 21% 22% 23% 19% 18% 18% 18% 17% 16% 15% 20% 13% 11% 12% 9% 9% 8% 7% 7% 8% 5% 6% 6% 6% 5% 10% 4% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3% 2% 1% 2% 2% 2% 1% 1% 1% 0%
*Optimistic, Neutral, and Pessimistic are aggregates of the original responses: − Optimistic = “Belief that the future will be definitely better” + “Hope that the future will be somewhat better” − Neutral = “Not much hope for a better future” + “Apathy, belief in fate” − Pessimistic = “Insecurity, worry, fear for the future” + “Total disappointment, disbelief in any improvement” 5 What is the most important problem facing our country today? (Spontaneous response; up to two responses permitted)
Economy (Unemployment) 53% 68% 18% Economy (Cost of living/High prices) 45% 6% Poverty 21% 3% Lost teritories 6% 3% Economy (Other/General) 7% 3% External conflicts/War 5% 2% Pensions 6% 2% Education 4% 2% Healthcare 7% 1% Illicit drugs 4% <1% Incompetent government 2% <1% Insecurity 2% <1% First mention Internal conflicts 3% <1% All mentions Crime/Public Safety 2% <1% Corruption 2% <1% Economy (Small business opportunities/Access to loans) 2% <1% Inflation 2% <1% Agriculture 2% 2% Other 8% <1% Don't know/No answer <1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
*Responses receiving less than two percent of all mentions are collapsed into Other. 6 What is the most important problem facing your town/village today? (Spontaneous response; up to two responses permitted) 32% Unemployment 44% 9% Drinking water 13% 7% Roads 11% 6% Poverty 12% 4% Environmental issues 6% 4% Economy 10% 3% Infrastructure 5% 2% Traffic jams 5% 2% Gas supply 3% 2% Public transport 3% 1% Migration 4% 1% High prices 5% 1% Agriculture 3% 1% Lost territories 2% 1% Low salaries/pensions 4% First mention 1% Unsanitary conditions 2% All mentions 1% Social problems 2% 1% Inflation 3% 1% Sewer systems 2% 1% High communal fees 2% 13% Other 28% 7% Don't know/No answer 7% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
*Responses receiving less than two percent of all mentions are collapsed into Other. 7 What is the most important problem facing your household today? (Spontaneous response; up to two responses permitted)
23% Unemployment 31% 10% Low salaries 14% 9% Poverty 14% 8% Economy 12% 4% Expensive medication 9% 4% Health issues 6% 4% Low pensions 6% 3% High prices on everything 7% 2% Healthcare 5% 2% Bank debt 4% First mention 2% Migration 4% All mentions 2% High communal fees 4% 2% Living conditions 2% 2% Social problems 2% <1% Homelessness 1% <1% Expensive products 2% 2% Other 5% 3% None 3% 17% Don't know/No answer 17% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
*Responses receiving less than two percent of all mentions are collapsed into Other. 8 Over the last 12 months*, the economic situation of Georgia change has… ? Improved a lot Improved somewhat Stayed the same Worsened somewhat Worsened a lot Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 2% 8% 24% 35% 29% 2% Jun-19 2% 7% 28% 31% 30% 2% Apr-18 1% 7% 27% 28% 35% 2% Mar-17 1% 7% 21% 34% 36% 1% Mar-16 1% 6% 25% 31% 34% 3% Feb-15 7% 29% 33% 29% 2% Feb-14 1% 15% 52% 22% 7% 3% May-13 1% 26% 53% 12% 3% 5% Feb-13 1% 26% 58% 10% 1% 4% Nov-12 1% 11% 78% 7% 1% 2% Jul-12 2% 28% 47% 15% 5% 4% Mar-12 2% 26% 45% 17% 6% 4% Nov-11 2% 25% 42% 19% 8% 3% May-11 1% 19% 30% 32% 14% 3% Oct-10 1% 24% 27% 31% 13% 3% Mar-10 1% 20% 35% 27% 13% 3% Oct-09 2% 19% 34% 25% 15% 4% Jun-09 1% 6% 20% 37% 34% 2% Feb-09 1% 8% 19% 37% 34% 2% Sep-08 3% 12% 20% 39% 23% 4% Feb-08 4% 20% 28% 30% 16% 2% Sep-07 1% 17% 27% 32% 22% 1% Feb-07 3% 34% 27% 22% 10% 3% Apr-06 2% 30% 28% 25% 11% 3% Oct-05 3% 34% 32% 18% 7% 5% Jun-05 5% 44% 33% 10% 4% 4% Oct-04 4% 40% 38% 10% 3% 5% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
* In surveys before 2008, the question referenced a period of 3 months, in surveys from 2008 to 2017, the reference period was 2 months. 9 Over the last 12 months*, how has the economic situation of your household changed? Improved a lot Improved somewhat Stayed the same Worsened somewhat Worsened a lot Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 1% 12% 42% 29% 16% Jun-19 1% 10% 40% 27% 22% Apr-18 7% 41% 22% 29% 1% Mar-17 1% 5% 37% 28% 28% 1% Mar-16 4% 41% 26% 29% Feb-15 4% 45% 28% 22% 1% Feb-14 8% 64% 20% 7% 1% May-13 1% 11% 70% 13% 4% 1% Feb-13 10% 76% 11% 2% 1% Nov-12 6% 83% 8% 1%1% Jul-12 1% 9% 61% 21% 8% Mar-12 1% 9% 54% 23% 12% 1% Nov-11 1% 11% 53% 23% 11% 1% May-11 1% 9% 44% 29% 16% 1% Oct-10 1% 11% 42% 29% 16% 1% Mar-10 1% 9% 49% 24% 15% 2% Oct-09 1% 10% 48% 23% 16% 2% Jun-09 4% 38% 26% 31% 1% Feb-09 33% 32% 30% 1% Sep-08 1% 6% 45% 28% 19% 1% Feb-08 1% 10% 48% 26% 15% 1% Sep-07 1% 7% 46% 26% 20% Feb-07 1% 14% 49% 21% 13% 1% Apr-06 1% 14% 49% 22% 14% 1% Oct-05 1% 15% 57% 18% 8% 1% Jun-05 2% 21% 58% 12% 6% 1% Oct-04 1% 16% 61% 14% 6% 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
* In surveys before 2008, the question referenced a period of 3 months, in surveys from 2008 to 2017, the reference period was 2 months 10 How would you describe the current economic situation of your household?
Very good Somewhat good Somewhat bad Very bad Don’t know/No answer
Oct-19 2% 37% 43% 17% 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
11 How do you feel about the direction of each of the following issues during the past year?
Progressed Neither progressed, nor regressed Regressed Don't know/No answer
Freedom of speech 34% 40% 21% 4%
Individual human rights 26% 46% 25% 3%
Media independence 25% 43% 26% 5%
Education 25% 40% 25% 9%
Democracy 22% 44% 28% 6%
National security 17% 42% 33% 8%
Fighting crime 14% 35% 45% 6%
Fighting corruption 13% 34% 39% 14%
Economy 7% 24% 66% 2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 12 International Relations How would you evaluate the current state of the relationship between Georgia and the following countries?
Good Neither good nor bad Bad No answer
Ukraine 90% 5% 3%2%
European Union 86% 9% 2%3%
United States 84% 10% 3% 3%
Turkey 72% 15% 10% 3%
Armenia 68% 20% 7% 4%
Azerbaijan 63% 20% 13% 4%
China 62% 21% 7% 10%
Iran 52% 24% 10% 14%
Russia 6% 6% 87% 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
14 Which of these countries: … do you consider the most important political partners for Georgia? … do you consider the most important economic partners for Georgia? … poses the greatest political threat to Georgia? … poses the greatest economic threat to Georgia? (Multiple responses permitted for each question)
Political partners Economic partners Political threats Economic threats 90% 83% 80% 72% 70%
60% 52% 50% 50%
40% 37% 33% 32% 30% 27% 22% 24% 20% 14% 13% 14% 10% 11% 10% 8% 8% 9% 9%8% 9% 10% 6% 7% 5% 6% 3%4% 3% 4% 3% 4%3% 3% <1%2% 1%1% 2%2% 2% 1% 2% 2%
0%
Iran
None
China
Russia
Turkey
Don't
Union
Ukraine
answer
Armenia
know/No European
Azerbaijan 15 United States United Do you support or oppose further dialogue with Russia?
Fully support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 48% 26% 9% 12% 5%
Jun-19 46% 29% 7% 12% 5%
Apr-18 47% 30% 7% 12% 4%
Mar-17 53% 29% 6% 10% 2%
Mar-16 59% 24% 4% 10% 3%
Feb-15 65% 20% 4% 8% 3%
Feb-14 76% 16% 3% 4% 2%
May-13 82% 11% 2% 3% 2%
Feb-13 82% 13% 2%2%1%
Nov-12 83% 11% 2%2%2%
Mar-12 74% 19% 2% 3% 2%
Nov-11 73% 17% 2% 4% 4%
May-11 78% 16% 2%2%2%
Oct-10 84% 12% 1%1%2%
Mar-10 78% 15% 2%2% 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 16 How do you rate the current government’s handling of Georgia’s relationship with Russia?
Very positively Somewhat positively Somewhat negatively Very negatively Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 7% 27% 32% 24% 10%
Jun-19 7% 26% 30% 22% 15%
Apr-18 4% 30% 31% 23% 12%
Mar-17 15% 39% 24% 11% 11%
Mar-16 14% 45% 18% 11% 11%
Feb-15 17% 42% 18% 8% 15%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 17 Given the current state of Georgia’s relationship with Russia, how secure do you feel living in Georgia?
Very secure More secure than not More insecure than secure Very insecure Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 16% 36% 33% 11% 4%
Jun-19 16% 37% 32% 8% 7%
Apr-18 11% 37% 36% 8% 8%
Mar-17 11% 47% 28% 9% 4%
Mar-16 12% 41% 32% 10% 5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
18 Do you think that Russian aggression to Georgia is over or is it still going on?
It is over and unlikely to resume It is over but likely to resume It is still going on Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 4% 15% 77% 4% Jun-19 5% 17% 71% 7% Mar-17 10% 23% 60% 7% Mar-16 9% 19% 67% 5% Feb-15 6% 21% 67% 6% Feb-14 7% 16% 71% 6% May-13 20% 18% 49% 13% Feb-13 19% 26% 44% 11% Nov-12 23% 19% 47% 11% Mar-12 4% 10% 78% 8% Nov-11 7% 17% 65% 11% May-11 3% 12% 72% 13% Oct-10 7% 18% 69% 6% Mar-10 5% 14% 74% 7% Oct-09 2% 11% 82% 5% Jun-09 2% 11% 82% 6% Feb-09 2% 10% 84% 4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 19 In your opinion what should Georgia’s foreign policy course be?
Only pro-European Union and the West Pro-Western but keep up relations with Russia Pro-Russian but keep up relations with the European Union and the West Only pro-Russian Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 27% 49% 12% 2% 10%
Jun-19 30% 47% 8% 2% 13%
Apr-18 27% 50% 11% 2% 9%
Mar-17 23% 53% 12% 3% 9%
Mar-16 22% 52% 11% 4% 11%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
20 Do you support or oppose Georgia joining the European Union?
Fully support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 59% 21% 5% 5% 10%
Jun-19 57% 18% 4% 8% 13%
Apr-18 59% 26% 6% 3% 6%
Mar-17 64% 26% 3%3% 3%
Mar-16 63% 22% 5% 6% 4%
Feb-15 62% 23% 4% 5% 6%
Feb-14 70% 18% 3% 4% 5%
May-13 67% 20% 2%2% 8%
Feb-13 67% 21% 3% 2% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 21 If you support, what is the main benefit of joining the European Union? (Respondents supporting Georgia joining the European Union: n=1,193; spontaneous response)
Strengthening the economy 45%
Visa-free travel 8%
Creating jobs 4%
Security 5%
Better future 3%
High quality education 3%
Stability/Peace 2%
Trade relationships 2%
Defense 2%
Millitary support 2%
Cultural relationships with European countries 3%
Returning the lost territories 1%
Other 1%
Don't know/No answer 20%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
*Responses receiving less than one percent are collapsed into Other. 22 Do you support or oppose Georgia joining NATO?
Fully support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 51% 20% 8% 11% 10% Jun-19 49% 19% 6% 13% 13% Apr-18 50% 26% 9% 9% 6% Mar-17 56% 26% 6% 7% 5% Mar-16 55% 24% 7% 9% 5% Feb-15 57% 21% 6% 9% 7% Feb-14 58% 22% 5% 8% 7% May-13 61% 19% 5% 6% 8% Feb-13 63% 19% 6% 5% 7% Nov-12 65% 17% 4% 5% 9% Mar-12 59% 20% 4% 6% 11% Nov-11 61% 19% 5% 5% 10% May-11 55% 22% 6% 6% 11% Oct-10 55% 19% 5% 9% 12% Mar-10 50% 22% 6% 9% 13% Oct-09 54% 21% 6% 6% 13% Jun-09 45% 23% 9% 12% 10% Feb-09 49% 23% 7% 10% 11% Sep-08 70% 17% 4% 4% 6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 23 If you support, what is the main benefit of joining NATO? (Respondents supporting Georgia joining NATO, n=1,059; spontaneous response)
Security 27%
Defense 15%
Strengthening the economy 11%
Returning the lost territories 9%
Stability/Peace 5%
Defense from Russia 4%
Millitary support 4%
Better future 3%
Integration into European culture 1%
Visa-free travel 1%
High quality education 1%
Other 2%
Don't know/No answer 17%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
*Responses receiving less than one percent are collapsed into Other. 24 When do you think Georgia will become a member of NATO?
4% 2% 2% 3%
In 2021 In 2022 18% In 2023 In 2024 After 2024 54% Never Don't know/No answer
17%
25 What is biggest obstacle in the way of Georgia joining NATO?
17%
The status of the occupied regions 1% Internal opposition in Georgia 41% Opposition by NATO countries
Opposition by Russia
Other 23% Don't know/No answer
7% 11%
26 When it comes to the status of the occupied regions, under what conditions should Georgia agree to join NATO?
22%
Georgia should join only when the occupied regions are fully reintegrated.
47% Georgia should join, even if occupied regions are not fully reintegrated.
Don't know/No answer
31%
27 Persons and Institutions Please tell me your opinion about the work of each of these institutions:
Favorable Unfavorable No opinion
Army 86% 10% 4% Church 85% 9% 6% Georgian media 72% 23% 5% Police 59% 34% 7% Public education 51% 40% 9% Local authorities 46% 48% 6% Government (Cabinet of Ministers) 37% 58% 5% Parliament 37% 61% 2% Central Election Commission 36% 53% 11% Prime Minister's office 34% 56% 10% Political parties 28% 63% 9% Governors 27% 51% 22% Prosecutor's office 27% 56% 17% National bank 27% 64% 9% President's office 27% 70% 3% Courts 25% 57% 18% Trade unions 22% 45% 33%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 29 How do you assess performance of the following institutions in terms of openness and transparency?
Very open and transparent Somewhat open and transparent Somewhat not open and transparent Not at all open and transparent Don't know/No answer
Ministry of Justice 9% 34% 31% 20% 6%
Police 8% 34% 30% 21% 7%
Local authorities 6% 35% 36% 20% 3%
Prime Minister's office 4% 25% 35% 27% 9%
Government of Georgia 3% 31% 39% 23% 4%
President's office 3% 21% 35% 34% 7%
Prosecutor's office 2% 19% 33% 35% 11%
Court system 2% 18% 32% 37% 11%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 30 What is the main accomplishment of the current Government? (Spontaneous response; one response permitted)
Healthcare reform 13%
Infrastructure 4%
No violence 4%
Education 4%
Visa-free travel to European Union 4%
Improved roads 3%
Freedom of speech 3%
Democracy 3%
Pension increase 2%
Debt forgiveness 1%
Getting UNM members out of politics 1%
Other 2%
None 21%
Don't know/No answer 36%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% *Responses receiving less than one percent are collapsed into Other. 31 What is the biggest failure of the Government? (Spontaneous response; one response permitted)
Not fulfilling promises 12% Devaluation of Georgian Lari 8% June 20 events* 7% Economic crisis 6% "Creeping borderization" 5% Unemployment 4% Poverty 4% Cohabitation** 4% Not caring about people 3% Loss of trust 3% Increasing prices 3% Staffing policies 1% Gavrilov's visit*** 1% Unsettled relations with Russia 1% Injustice 1% Other**** 7% None 2% Don't know/No answer 28%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% *Referring to the clashes between government forces and protestors on the night of June 20. **The colloquial term for the period between October 2012 and October 2013 during which Georgia Dream controlled parliament and President Saakashvili was still in power. ***Referring to the Russian MP whose speech from the Speaker’s chair of Parliament prompted the June 20 protests. ****Responses receiving less than one percent are collapsed into Other. 32 I am going to read you the names of Georgian politicians and public figures. Please tell me your opinion of him/her.
Favorable Unfavorable Have not heard the name Don't know/No answer
David Bakradze 57% 36% 7% Kakha Kaladze 49% 42% 1% 7% David Usupashvili 47% 41% 2% 10% Grigol Vashadze (United Opposition) 41% 50% 1% 8% Aleksandre Elisashvili 39% 36% 9% 15% Giorgi Gakharia 39% 49% 2% 10% Shalva Natelashvili 39% 51% 1% 9% Giorgi Vashadze (For New Georgia) 34% 48% 5% 13% Nika Melia 34% 54% 2% 10% Irakli Gharibashvili 33% 55% 2% 10% Bidzina Ivanishvili 32% 57% 10% Nino Burjanadze 31% 59% 10% Gigi Ugulava 31% 59% 1% 9% Mamuka Khazaradze 29% 45% 6% 20% Irma Inashvili 29% 59% 2% 10% Archil Talakvadze 25% 50% 10% 15% Salome Zurabishvili 23% 70% 7% Kakha Shartava 19% 30% 20% 30% Zurab Girchi Japaridze 14% 66% 6% 14% Levan Ioseliani 3% 15% 51% 31% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 33 […] Now I would ask you to evaluate each politician or public figure in the political capacity, how competent do you consider each of them. Please use a five-point scale, where one means absolutely incompetent and five means very competent. (Among those familiar with each politician or public figure) Competent [5+4] Neither competent nor incompetent [3] Incompetent [2+1] Don't know/No answer
David Bakradze (n=1,495) 55% 22% 15% 8% David Usupashvili (n=1,468) 45% 29% 14% 12% Kakha Kaladze (n=1,480) 42% 24% 24% 10% Grigol Vashadze (United Opposition) (n=1,492) 41% 26% 23% 10% Giorgi Vashadze (For New Georgia) (n=1,492) 41% 26% 23% 10% Nino Burjanadze (n=1,496) 34% 29% 24% 13% Giorgi Gakharia (n=1,425) 33% 27% 23% 18% Aleksandre Elisashvili (n=1,363) 32% 30% 17% 20% Nika Melia (n=1,464) 30% 26% 30% 13% Bidzina Ivanishvili (n=1,495) 29% 18% 39% 13% Shalva Natelashvili (n=1,482) 27% 38% 25% 11% Gigi Ugulava (n=1,489) 26% 32% 29% 13% Irakli Gharibashvili (n=1,474) 26% 28% 32% 14% Irma Inashvili (n=1,465) 24% 25% 39% 12% Mamuka Khazaradze (n=1,404) 23% 26% 27% 23% Archil Talakvadze (n=1,354) 21% 29% 32% 18% Salome Zurabishvili (n=1,495) 18% 25% 48% 9% Kakha Shartava (n=1,194) 15% 27% 16% 42% Zurab Girchi Japaridze (n=1,404) 11% 23% 48% 19% Levan Ioseliani (n=738) 6% 15% 13% 66% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 34 Do you believe that democracy is the best possible form of government for our country or not?
Yes, it is the best possible form of government for our country. No, there are other forms of government that could be equally good for our country. No, there are other forms of government that are better than democracy. Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 71% 11% 6% 12%
Jun-19 58% 13% 6% 23%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
35 What is your perception of the level of impact of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Georgia?
CSOs have a great impact on government policy CSOs have some impact on government policy CSOs have little impact on government policy CSOs have no impact on government policy Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 15% 35% 22% 10% 17%
Jun-19 11% 36% 21% 14% 18%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
36 During the past six months have you participated in any of the following activities?
Yes No Don't know/No answer
Attended a public meeting or 3% 96% 1% town hall
Attended a rally (political and/or 3% 96% 1% social)
Volunteered without expecting 2% 97% 1% compensation
Signed a petition or demand, 98% 1% including online 2%
Donated money to a political party, non-governmental <1% 99% 1% organization, or civil society organization
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 37 When you get together with your close relatives and friends, how often do you discuss politics and current affairs?
1% 6%
16% During all or almost all of our get-togethers 33% During the majority of our get-togethers
During some of our get-togethers, but less than half During none of our get-togethers
Don’t know/No answer
44%
38 Governance Do you think that the following services should be provided by local/municipal governments or by the central government?
Definitely by local government Probably by local government Probably by central government Definitely by central government Don't know/No answer
Waste management 35% 26% 18% 18% 3%
Water supply 34% 25% 20% 18% 3%
Kindergartens 30% 28% 19% 21% 2%
Social protections 26% 27% 23% 21% 3%
Protection of forests 25% 17% 23% 31% 4%
Taking care of the elderly and 23% 25% 24% 24% 3% disabled
School education 17% 18% 26% 37% 2%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
40 In your opinion, to what extent can people like you influence decisions made by the local government in your municipality?
7% 16%
Definitely can influence 22% Somewhat can influence
Somewhat cannot influence
Definitely cannot influence
Don't know/No answer 35%
20%
41 What do you think are three biggest challenges for Georgia’s democratic development/future? (Spontaneous response; three responses permitted)
Unemployment 31% Economic problems 28% Wrong policies 15% Lost territories 12% Education problems 10% Freedom of speech 7% Replacing the current government 6% Protecting human rights 6% Low pensions 6% Strengthening Georgian Lari 5% Healthcare problems 5% Judicial independence 5% Caring about people 4% Price regulation 3% Low salaries 3% Migration 3% Fighting corruption 3% Free elections 3% Fighting crime 3% Relations with Russia 2% Nepotism 2% Agricultural problems 2% Development of business 1% Safety 1% Rule of law 1% Other 5% Don't know/No answer 23% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% *Responses receiving less than one percent of all mentions are collapsed into Other. 42 When you think about Georgian values, which value comes to your mind first? (Spontaneous response)
Georgian customs and traditions 22%
Patriotism 10%
Religion/Faith 10%
Holiness of the family 6%
Hospitality 4%
Culture 4%
Dignity 4%
Support of each other 3%
Language 3%
Georgian wine 2%
History 2%
Folklore 1%
Monuments 1%
National consciousness 1%
Other 3%
Don't know/No answer 24%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% *Responses receiving less than one percent of all mentions are collapsed into Other. 43 Are you aware of the details surrounding the protests which took place on June 20, 2019?
3% 3%
17% Yes, I am aware of the protests and the details Yes, I am aware of the protests but not the details No, I am not aware of the protests or the details Don't know/No answer
77%
*On the night of June 20, clashes between government forces and demonstrators resulted in injuries to 240 people, including 80 police officers and more than 30 journalists. 44 Do you believe the state abused its power or used excessive force against the protesters on June 20?
12%
11% Definitely believe
44% Somewhat believe Somewhat disbelieve 9% Definitely disbelieve
Don't know/No answer
24%
*On the night of June 20, clashes between government forces and demonstrators resulted in injuries to 240 people, including 80 police officers and more than 30 journalists. 45 In your opinion, who is responsible for the events that took place on the night of June 20? (Up to two responses permitted)
The Georgian Government 39%
Everyone together 24%
The Georgian Ministry of the Interior 23%
Provocateurs hired to increase tensions 14%
Opposition parties and politicians present at the 13% demonstration
Don't know/No answer 9%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% *On the night of June 20, clashes between government forces and demonstrators resulted in injuries to 240 people, including 80 police officers and more than 30 journalists. 46 Local Government - Tbilisi What are the two main problems that Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze needs to address? (Residents of Tbilisi, n=453; spontaneous response; up to two responses permitted)
Environmental issues 23% Infrastructure 18% Roads 16% Construction 15% Public transport 14% Traffic jams 13% Unemployment 11% Unsanitary conditions 8% High utility taxes 7% City green spaces 6% Social problems 6% Stray dogs 4% Caring for the people 4% Lack of entertainment venues 3% Economic problems 3% Drinking water 2% Parking 2% Providing housing for internally displaced people 2% Taxi reform 2% Low pensions 1% Maintenance of apartment blocks 1% Education 1% Other 5% Don't know/No answer 5% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% *Responses receiving less than one percent of all mentions are collapsed into Other. 48 What are the two major accomplishments of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze’s Office? (Residents of Tbilisi, n=453; spontaneous response; up to two responses permitted)
New buses 22% Repairing roads 18% Improving infrastructure 11% Restoration of squares 9% Restoration of Old Tbilisi 7% Taxi reform 6% Restoration of the Kikvidze square 4% Restoration of bridges 3% Restoration of metro 2% Reparing sporting facilities 2% Improving the environment 2% Greening 2% Solving social problems 2% Repairing sewer system 2% Other 6% None 10% Don't know/No answer 27%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
*Responses receiving less than two percent of all mentions are collapsed into Other. 49 Political Parties Generally, are you familiar with the election program of the parties/candidates running in your city/district/village?
Very familiar Somewhat familiar Somewhat unfamiliar Very unfamiliar Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 13% 36% 24% 26% 1%
Jun-19 11% 36% 23% 27% 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
51 When deciding which political party to support, how important is it to you that a candidate visit your household or meet with you in-person?
Very important Somewhat important Does not matter one way or another Not especially important Not important at all Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 11% 30% 19% 13% 25% 2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
52 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “It is healthy for Georgia’s democracy to have multiple parties in power?”
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 32% 36% 13% 9% 10%
Jun-19 36% 38% 11% 8% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
53 Tell me how you feel about the following statement: “I am satisfied with the current state of democracy in Georgia”
6% 9%
24% Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
33% Somewhat disagree
Strongly disagree
Don't know/No answer
27%
54 Would it be harmful to your business or personal finances if you supported the political opposition?
13% 20%
Very harmful
Somewhat harmful 17% Somewhat not harmful
Not harmful at all
Don't know/No answer
32% 17%
55 If elections were held this coming Sunday, for which party, if any, would you vote? (First choice) If your first-choice party would not be on the ballot, who would you vote for instead? (Among those with a first-choice candidate, n=971)
Georgian Dream 23% 3%
United National Movement - United Opposition 15% 4%
European Georgia - Free Democrats 5% 6%
Labor Party 5% 4%
Alliance of Patriots 4% 5%
Civil Movement 3% 2%
For New Georgia 2% 4% First choice Democratic Movement United Georgia 2% 3% Second choice
Lelo 2% 3%
Girchi 1%1%
Development Movement 1% 2%
Other 1% 2%
None 4% 1%
Don't know/No answer 32% 60%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
*Responses receiving less than one percent of First choice are collapsed into Other. 56 **Total includes first and second choice responses. Which parties, if any, would you not vote for under any circumstances? (Up to three responses permitted)
Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia 30% United National Movement – United Opposition 26% Girchi 9% Alliance of Patriots 9% Labor Party 7% Democratic Movement United Georgia 7% European Georgia - Free Democrats 6% Conservative Party 5% For New Georgia 3% Free Georgia 3% Lelo 3% Development Movement 3% Republican Party 2% Civil Movement 2% New Rights 1% Other 1% Don't know/No answer 31%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
57 If as a result of 2020 Parliamentary Elections to create a majority it would be necessary to form a coalition, which three political parties would you like to see in a ruling coalition? (Up to three responses permitted)
European Georgia 28%
United National Movement 25%
Georgian Dream 24%
Alliance of Patriots 14%
United Democratic Movement 13%
Labor Party 13%
Lelo 12%
Civic Movement 11%
Development Movement 11%
Girchi 4%
Free Georgia 4%
None 11%
Don't know/No answer 25%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 58 Under-Represented Groups How important or unimportant is it that all members of our country’s adult population, including women, youth, minorities and people with disabilities, are included in political decision making?
Very important Somewhat important Somewhat unimportant Very unimportant Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 42% 42% 7% 4% 4%
Jun-19 43% 40% 7% 4% 6%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
60 If there are two candidates running for office and they have the same qualifications aside from the fact that one is a man and one is a woman, which candidate are you more likely to support?
Man Woman Makes no difference Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 24% 9% 64% 2%
Jun-19 22% 13% 63% 3%
Apr-18 28% 13% 57% 2%
Mar-17 25% 12% 60% 3%
Mar-16 31% 17% 50% 2%
Feb-15 32% 17% 48% 3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 61 In your opinion, should there be more women in Georgian politics?
Yes, there should be more women in Georgian politics There should be the same level of women in Georgian politics as there currently is No, there should be less women in Georgian politics Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 37% 31% 19% 14%
Jun-19 41% 33% 13% 13%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
62 In your opinion, should there be more youth in Georgian politics?
Yes, there should be more youth in Georgian politics There should be the same level of youth in Georgian politics as there currently is No, there should be less youth in Georgian politics Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 67% 21% 6% 6%
Jun-19 68% 19% 6% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
63 Would you be more likely or less likely to vote for a political party that had at a high number of youth on the party list?
9%
More likely 25% 44% Less likely
Makes no difference to me
Don't know/No answer
21%
64 Which of the following, if any, would be most appealing to you?
9% 1% New faces in new political parties
15% 33% New faces in existing political parties
Experienced politicians becoming more active in existing parties Young people forming new political parties/movements None 19% Don't know/No answer
23%
65 Elections How likely or unlikely are ordinary people able to influence decisions made in our country?
Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 21% 38% 18% 20% 3%
Jun-19 20% 26% 16% 31% 7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
67 Have you heard about the proportional electoral system?
4%
28% Yes
No
Don't know/No answer
68%
68 If yes, do you support or oppose to switching to a fully proportional electoral system in Georgia? (Respondents aware of the proportional electoral system, n=1,022)
13%
2% Strongly support 7% Somewhat support
47% Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Don't know/No answer
31%
69 Will the changes to the electoral legislation, specifically the introduction of a fully proportional parliamentary list, positively or negatively affect democratic development in Georgia?
23%
33%
Very positively
Somewhat positively
Somewhat negatively
Very negatively
2% Don't know/No answer
7% 35%
70 Which component of a party’s pre-election program will most likely determine your vote in upcoming parliamentary elections? (Up to two responses permitted)
Economic policy 61%
Healthcare and social security policy 50%
Foreign policy 20%
Judicial reform policy 11%
Education policy 11%
Environmental policy 4%
None 4%
Don't know/No answer 7%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
71 Do you agree or disagree that the Central Election Commission (CESKO) performs its work in a trustworthy manner?
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 13% 33% 25% 20% 9%
Jun-19 15% 33% 21% 21% 10%
Apr-18 9% 33% 21% 26% 11%
Mar-17 15% 35% 21% 14% 15%
Mar-16 15% 38% 16% 13% 18%
Feb-15 26% 43% 12% 6% 13%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% * CESKO is the Georgian acronym for the Central Election Commission. 72 To what degree do you either agree or disagree with the following statements about the work of the CESKO?
Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don't know/No answer
The CESKO provides clear and understandable information to 18% 30% 24% 17% 10% the public about the election process in Georgia
The CESKO provides regular updates and information on its 18% 33% 23% 16% 10% work to the public
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% * CESKO is the Georgian acronym for the Central Election Commission. 73 What would increase your overall trust in the electoral process? (Spontaneous response; up to two responses permitted)
Justice 21%
Objectivity 16%
Transparency 16%
Impartiality 12%
Absence of fraud 6%
Electronic voting 4%
Foreign observers 3%
Setting of electoral lists 1%
Change in CESKO staff* 1%
Other** 1%
Nothing 1%
Don't know/No answer 38%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% *CESKO is the Georgian acronym for the Central Election Commission. **Responses receiving less than one percent of all mentions are collapsed into Other. 74 Do you trust or distrust the opinion of local election observation organizations regarding whether an election was free, fair and transparent?
7% 14% 8% Fully trust
Somewhat trust
Somewhat distrust 18% Fully distrust
I’m not familiar with the opinions of local election 33% observation organizations Don't know/No answer
20%
75 Sources of Information Which Georgian TV station’s news and political information do you trust the most? (Spontaneous response; up to two responses permitted)
Imedi TV 39% 53%
Mtavari Arkhi 18% 26%
Rustavi 2 13% 27%
TV Pirveli 6% 18%
Georgian Public Broadcasting 2% 6%
Palitra TV 2% 5%
Adjara 1% 3%
Patriarch's Channel 1% 2% First mention Obiekt TV 1% 6% All mentions
Other 1% 3%
None 14% 14%
Don't know/No answer 3% 3% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
*Responses receiving less than one percent of first response collapsed into Other. 77 Which TV talk show do you watch most frequently? (Spontaneous response; up to three responses permitted)
25% Pirispir (Imedi) 32% 12% Reaktsia (TV Pirveli) 22% 6% Ghamis Aktsentebi (Mtavari Arkhi) 14% 6% Ghamis Mtavari (Mtavari Arkhi) 13% 1% Pirvelebi (TV Pirveli) 6% 1% Kviris Interviu (GPB) 4% 1% Khalkhis Politika (TV Pirveli) 4% <1% Polimetri (TV Pirveli) 3% 1% Pirispir (Adjara) 2% 1% Akhali Kvira (GPB) 2% First mention Spektri (Kavkasia) 1% All mentions Barieri (Kavkasia) 1% Paktori (Adjara) 1% Kviris Mtavari (Adjara) 1% Pirveli Auditoris (GPB) 1% 43% None 43% 4% Don't know/No answer 4% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
*Responses receiving less than one percent of all responses collapsed into Other. 78 Which sources of information do you use for information about the current international situation? (Multiple responses permitted)
Georgian TV 83%
Social media 21%
Georgian internet news sites 10% Respondents using social media, n=315 Russian TV stations 5% - Facebook: 99% - No answer: <1% Georgian print media 5%
Georgian radio stations 3%
Western TV 2%
Russian internet news sites 1%
Other 1%
None/I do not seek such information 5%
79 Which of these information channels do you trust most for information about the current international situation?
Georgian TV 67%
Social media 10%
Respondents using Georgian internet news sites 3% social media, n=148
- Facebook: 96% Russian TV stations 1% - Western internet media: 4% - No answer: <1%
Western TV 1%
Other 2%
None/I do not seek such information 11%
Don't know/No answer 5%
80 Is Georgian mass media (TV, radio and press) free to express various political views?
Totally free Somewhat free Not very free Not free at all Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 16% 43% 21% 8% 12% Jun-19 19% 44% 21% 6% 10% Apr-18 17% 50% 18% 7% 8% Mar-17 18% 51% 20% 5% 6% Mar-16 23% 54% 13% 3% 6% Feb-15 30% 53% 7% 1% 9% Feb-14 29% 55% 7% 1% 8% May-13 22% 59% 7% 1% 10% Feb-13 27% 55% 8% 1% 9% Nov-12 17% 56% 14% 3% 10% Mar-12 14% 40% 21% 11% 14% Nov-11 14% 38% 25% 9% 14% May-11 16% 42% 19% 7% 16% Oct-10 13% 39% 22% 11% 15% Mar-10 11% 43% 22% 9% 15% Oct-09 15% 37% 23% 11% 14% Jun-09 10% 35% 25% 14% 15% Feb-09 14% 35% 26% 14% 11% Sep-08 13% 44% 24% 8% 11% Feb-08 10% 41% 28% 13% 7% Sep-07 13% 47% 28% 5% 7% Feb-07 22% 53% 14% 2% 9% Apr-06 17% 51% 20% 4% 8% Oct-05 20% 45% 16% 3% 16% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
81 Why do you think that Georgian mass media is not free to express various political views? (Among those believing that mass media is not free, n=438)
67% 64% 76% Government puts pressure on media 76% 71% 41% 45% 13% 20% 9% Media is corrupt 9% 7% 15% 12% Oct-19, n=438 7% Jun-19, n=414 4% 5% Apr-18, n=373 Media does not report bad news 3% 10% Mar-17, n=368 9% 13% Mar-16, n=248 Feb-15, n=125 4% 3% Feb-14, n=312 Other 1% 1% 2% 1% 13% 9% 8% Don't know/No answer 11% 11% 33% 28% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 82 How many times per week do you access the internet?
Every day 4-6 times per week 1-3 times per week Monthly Never Don't know/No answer
Oct-19 56% 4% 6% 3% 31% <1%
Jun-19 55% 6% 7% 1% 30% 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
83 Where do you access the internet? (Internet users, n=1,041; multiple responses permitted)
87% 90% Home 92% 87% 82% 55% 46% Mobile phone 38% 26% 24% 28% 22% Work 19% 19% 20% 14% 12% Friends' house 5% Oct-19, n=1041 4% 4% Jun-19, n=1024 1% 1% Apr-18, n=893 Other Mar-17, n=866 1% 1% Mar-16, n=766 1% Don't know/No answer 2% 1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
84 In your opinion, will the editorial policy of Rustavi 2 change due to the change in ownership?
18%
Definitely yes 5% 40% Somewhat yes
7% Somewhat no
Definitely no
Don't know/No answer
31%
85 Which social media sites do you use most often? (Internet users, n=1,041; up to three spontaneous responses permitted)
92% 89% Facebook 85% 87% 83% 20% 16% Instagram
7% 5% Odnoklassniki 8% 16% 32% 2% Vkontakte 2% 1% 2% Oct-19, n=1041 2% 1% Jun-19, n=1024 Twitter 3% 3% 4% Apr-18, n=893 2% 1% Mar-17, n=866 Linkedin 1% 1% 1% Mar-16, n=766 <1% YouTube
5% 7% None 9% 7% 2% 1% 3% Don't know/No answer 3% 3% 7% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 86 Demographics Demographics Male 46%
Female 54% GENDER 18-29 years 22%
30-49 years 34% AGE 50 years and older 44% Georgian 92% Armenian 4% Azeri 3% ETHNICITY Other 1% Unfinished secondary or less 2% Secondary 36% Vocational 17%
EDUCATION Higher, incomplete higher 45% Blue collar 7% Farmer 3% White collar 9% Executive 9% Retired 19%
Student 6% OCCUPATION Homemaker 13% Unemployed 22% Self-employed 12%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 88 Demographics
Orthodox 90% Muslim 6% Other 3%
RELIGION None <1% Don't know/No answer 1% Tbilisi 30%
Other town 27% TYPE
Rural area 43% SETTLEMENT Tbilisi 30% Kakheti 9% Shida Kartli 7% Kvemo Kartli 11% Samtskhe-Javakheti 4%
Ajara 9% REGIONS Guria 3% Samegrelo 9%
Imereti 15%
Mtskheta-Mtianeti 2%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 89 Center for Insights in Survey Research 202.408.9450 | [email protected] www.IRI.org | @IRI_Polls