IRI Poll: Jordanians Split Over Direction of Country, Economy and Corruption Cited as Top Concerns

Amman, Jordan – IRI today released its latest survey of Jordan public opinion (Arabic version) along with its analysis (Arabic version).  The poll, conducted July 17-20, 2012, is a comprehensive analysis of attitudes regarding the Jordanian economic, social and political landscape. 

Jordanians are divided over the direction in which their country is headed, with 43 percent believing Jordan is headed in the right direction, and 45 percent saying the country is headed in the wrong direction.  Over the course of IRI’s polling, this is only the second time in seven years that wrong direction responses have exceeded right direction.   As has been the case in previous years, Jordanians still believe the issues of rising prices, poor economic conditions and unemployment are the most important problems facing the country today. 

Regarding upcoming parliamentary elections, 57 percent say they will vote.  Voters showed a clear preference for independent and tribal candidates.  Jordanians are a bit more optimistic (43 percent) than pessimistic (37 percent) that the newly formed Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) can ensure free and transparent elections.  However, citizens were split over whether the new election law is an improvement over the previous law.

Jordanians assessed current economic conditions negatively.  As to how the economy will do over the next 12 months, respondents were less optimistic than a year ago, with 39 percent saying the economy would get better, down from 57 percent in 2011.  A combined 56 percent of Jordanians said they had seen no improvement or a worsening of their families’ economic situation over the past year.

IRI has conducted surveys in Jordan since 2005.  This poll is the ninth in a series of national studies on national priorities, governance and political reform in Jordan conducted by IRI and the Middle East Marketing and Research Consultants. 

The poll interviewed 1,000 Jordanian citizens, both men and women, at 100 sites randomly selected throughout the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.  The poll has a margin of error of ±2.5 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, IRI advances freedom and democracy worldwide by developing political parties, civic institutions, open elections, democratic governance and the rule of law.