IRI Releases Survey of Kyrgyzstan Public Opinion

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – IRI today released its survey of Kyrgyzstan public opinion.  The poll, conducted August 24 – September 10, 2011, is a comprehensive analysis of attitudes regarding the economic, social and political landscape in Kyrgyzstan. 

Among the findings in the poll, unemployment, economic development and corruption remain the three most commonly cited issues facing Kyrgyzstan.  Although the number mentioning unemployment remained roughly the same as the previous poll, the number citing economic development decreased significantly, while corruption was judged to be a significantly bigger problem.  A total of 95 percent of respondents said that they would vote in the upcoming presidential election and approximately half believe that it will be free and fair.

IRI has conducted surveys in Kyrgyzstan since 2006.  This poll is part of IRI’s political party development program in Kyrgyzstan, and was designed to enable parties to identify citizen priorities, craft party platforms and develop effective campaign messages.

The randomly selected sample consists of 1,500 Kyrgyz residents older than the age of 18 and eligible to vote and is representative of the general population by age, gender and education.  The margin of error for the national sample does not exceed plus or minus three percent.  The study was designed and analyzed by Baltic Surveys/The Gallup Organization.  The survey was fielded by SIAR-Bishkek under the supervision of IRI.