Some interesting points

Likelihood of a peaceful election

Respondents were asked if they felt that the next national parliamentary election will be held peacefully with participation by all major political parties. A majority of respondents (62%) think it is likely, (47%) and very likely (15%). There is not much variation in responses between different categories of respondents.

Is it likely that the next national parliamentary election will be held peacefully with participation by all major political parties?

Desire to see a third party win

The survey enquired if citizens would like to see a party other than Awami League and BNP to win the next parliamentary election. A majority of respondents in all categories replied in the negative. Since the survey did not enquire into the reasons for their answers, it remains unclear whether this is due to a predilection for one of the two major parties or due to the belief that there is no suitable third party to lead the country.

Would you like to see a party other than Awami League and BNP to win the next parliamentary election?

Important issues for candidates in the next national election to address

Respondents were asked to identify three most important issues for candidates in the next national election to address. Obtaining a ranking of problems based on their perceptions, it is observed that the following seven issues are considered most important by the respondents: law and order; unemployment; infrastructure (e.g., roads, bridges, culverts, embankments); electricity; corruption; food safety; and drug addiction (Table 4).

Deciding who to vote for

Respondents were asked for their views on what they think will be the most important feature of consideration about a candidate that will help them decide who to vote for in the next national election. It is interesting that the candidate's political party affiliation was mentioned by only two percent of respondents as being significant for making a choice as to who to vote for.

What do you think will be the most important feature of or consideration about a candidate that will help you decide who to vote for in the next national election?

Performance of current MP

Respondents were asked to evaluate if the current Member of Parliament (MP) of their constituency has sincerely tried to fulfill his/her election pledges during the last four years. More than 50 percent of respondents considers that their MP did try to sincerely deliver on pledges made earlier. However, 46 percent thinks the MPs did not try hard enough.

Do you think the MP of your constituency has made sincere efforts during the last four years to deliver on his election pledges to the constituents?

Religion and politics

The recent upsurge of political violence by some religious parties has led to demands by many citizens about banning religious parties from politics. A majority of respondents (approximately 60%) do not favor a ban. In the case of urban respondents, opinion is equally divided (50:50) on the issue of banning religious parties from engaging in politics.

Should religious parties be banned from engaging in political activities?

Previous Surveys...