Majority of Iraqis are Confident in National Assembly and Constitutional Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2005

Washington, D.C. --An International Republican Institute (IRI) poll conducted July 9-14, 2005, found that a majority of Iraqis are confident in the Iraqi National Assembly (INA) and the constitutional committee. More than 70 percent of Iraqis strongly or somewhat approve of the performance of the INA and a little more than 65 percent strongly or somewhat approve of the constitutional committee. Iraqis are also confident basic human rights and fair representation for all will be protected in a new constitution with a little more than 72 percent responding they are very confident or somewhat confident.

As the deadline for a draft constitution nears, debate among Iraqis over the role of religion and federalism continues. Iraqis are split on Sharia law. However, more than 80 percent of all Iraqis polled support the enshrinement of women's rights in a new Iraqi constitution.

When asked what type of government would serve them best, 60.80 percent of Iraqis responded a strong central government in Baghdad. When asked whether they agreed or disagreed that a regional government should have more authority than the central government over the following issues, a strong majority did not always appear.

Education system: 38.70 percent strongly or somewhat agreed, 50.90 percent strongly or somewhat disagreed;
International trade: 27.60 percent strongly or somewhat agreed, 61.10 percent strongly or somewhat disagreed;
Roads: 43.20 percent strongly or somewhat agreed, 46.30 percent strongly or somewhat disagreed;
Electricity: 43.10 percent strongly or somewhat agreed, 46.7 percent strongly or somewhat disagreed;
Water: 43.70 percent strongly or somewhat agreed, 46 percent strongly or somewhat disagreed;
Natural Resources: 27.70 percent strongly or somewhat agreed, 61.20 percent strongly or somewhat disagreed;
Army and police: 30.50 percent strongly or somewhat agreed, 58.80 percent strongly or somewhat disagreed;
Health care: 39.50 percent strongly or somewhat agreed, 50 percent strongly or somewhat disagreed; and
Foreign relations: 23.90 percent strongly or somewhat agreed, 64.70 percent strongly or somewhat disagreed.

The July poll also shows Iraqis remain optimistic about the future of their country and committed to voting in the October 2005 constitutional referendum. More than 75 percent feel things will be much better or better in five years and 85 percent are very likely or somewhat likely to vote in the October referendum.

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