In Haiti, 81 Percent Say Unemployment at 'Critical Mass'; New NOAH-TDG Poll
Friday Dec 23,12:28 PM ET
To: National and International Desks
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- On the heels of the scheduled first round of presidential elections in Haiti, an overwhelming majority of Haitian voters (81 percent) believe that the unemployment rate is at "critical mass" and that a Marshall Plan to spark economic growth is necessary, according to a new NOAH-TDG poll.
The poll results show the second seated Charles Henry Baker holding only 7 percent of the vote among the candidates currently on the ballot, but gaining support when respondents are asked their opinions regarding the "best-qualified" candidates for the top seat. Baker shows in at 41 percent of support. Among the fray are top-seated contenders Rene Preval and Dumarsais Simeus.
Significantly, more than half (51 percent) of voters say that Jean-Bertrand Aristide should be allowed to return to Haiti and nearly the same amount (49 percent) affirm his entrance back into the Caribbean. Note: Aristide was deposed by a coalition of forces on March 2, 2004.
The survey of 703 registered voters was conducted nationwide in Haiti from Sunday through Wednesday (Nov. 6-16, 2005). The margin of error is plus/minus 3.7 percentage points.
Pollster Shawnta Walcott: "There are many factors in dispute here, but here's one that isn't: Rene Preval will win the first round of elections if Dumarsais Simeus is held off the ballot."
"A clear majority of voters (81 percent) tell us that joblessness is at 'critical mass'... with nearly half (44 percent) saying that Mr. Simeus can best execute a Marshall Plan to spark economic growth-and he's not on the ballot?"
"Charles Henry Baker shows in with less than ten percent (7 percent) of support. However, more than a third (41 percent) view his qualifications for the top seat in high regard. This response should be attributed to Mr. Baker himself and the organizational efforts of Lavalas opposition Group '184' leader," said Andy Apaid.
"And then there's the 'exiled' president Aristide... While more than two-thirds (65 percent) tell us that they wouldn't vote for his return to power, over half (51 percent) believe that he should be allowed to return home to Haiti.
The National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians (NOAH) was founded in 1991 as a not-for-profit social policy corporation in response to the refugee crisis resulting from political unrest and upheaval in Haiti. Incorporated in Washington, D.C., with chapters in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Port-au-Prince, NOAH serves as a national, non-partisan organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of democracy in Haiti.
The Democracy Group, LLC (TDG) conducted interviews of 703 registered voters chosen at random in Haiti nationwide. All interviews were conducted face-to-face by native French/Creole speakers trained in the field of survey research. Interviews were conducted from Nov. 6 through Nov. 16. The margin of error is plus/minus 3.7 percentage points. Slight weights were added to region, to more accurately reflect the voting population. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups.
Pollster Shawnta Watson Walcott is a partner in The Democracy Group, LLC and served as the communications director for Zogby International during 2004 Presidential election in the US. In Haiti, Walcott headed-up the Electoral Information Centers for the National Democratic Institute during the 2000 Presidential election.
Contact: Joe Baptiste of the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians, 301-980-4768; or Lincoln Minor of The Democracy Group, 443-482-9785
For more information regarding The Democracy Group, LLC, visit The Democracy Group Web site at http://www.thedemocracygroup.com.
