2012 october 3 survey of tunisian public opinion, july 26 august 8, 2012

Survey of Tunisian Public Opinion
July 26-August 8, 2012

Williams and Associates
Salem, Massachusetts
www.WilliamsPolls.com

Survey Specifications
• The International Republican Institute (IRI) conducted a national survey of adult Tunisians (18+ years) from July 26-August 8,
2012.
• Data was collected in the field by a Tunisian owned and operated marketing research firm, ELKA Consulting, under the
supervision of David Williams from Williams and Associates of Salem, Massachusetts.
• Interviewing was collected using the in-person, face-to-face methodology by trained professional interviewers using a multi-stage
stratification proportionate to population sample distribution.
• The Kish method was used to select respondents 18 years and older within the randomly selected household. The left hand method
was used to select every third household in localities selected through an area probability sample.
• Stratification was based on three stages: a proportional division among Tunisia’s 24 governorates, proportional division of urban
and rural categories, and proportional division by gender and age group according to the most up-to-date data from Tunisia’s
National Statistics Institute collected in July 2009. The sample was then post-weighted to make it proportionate to national
representation by province.
• Each of Tunisia’s 24 governorates was divided into territorial sections or districts. In every territorial section at least one point of
survey was selected with the overall number of points determined by population density. In every point of survey, interviewers
were called to do no more than 10 interviews. Points of survey were distributed proportionally between rural and urban areas in
every governorate and in every geographical section of the governorate. Points of survey in a territorial section within a
governorate were selected randomly.
• A total of 1,265 interviews were completed yielding an overall margin of error of ± 2.81 percent at the midrange of the 95 percent
confidence level.
• The male-to-female ratio of respondents was 51 percent male to 49 percent female.
• The urban-to-rural ratio of respondents was 64 percent urban to 36 percent rural.
• The geographic and demographic distributions conform to the most recent generally accepted official statistics available.
• Stratification is based on population distribution according to the latest census.
• The information in this report has been compiled in accordance with international standards for market and social research
methodologies.
• Figures in charts and tables may not sum to 100 percent due to rounding.
• This poll was conducted with support from the Middle East Partnership Initiative.
Williams and Associates ● Salem, Massachusetts ● www.WilliamsPolls.com 2

How would you say that things are going in Tunisia these days, are
things going in the right direction or the wrong direction?

90%

80%
Right direction
79%
Wrong direction
70% DK/REF
67%

62%
60% 61%
54%

50% 46% 45%

46%
40%
44%
37%
30% 30% 30%
32%

20%

14%
10%
11%
8% 9%
7% 8%
7% 3%
0%
Mar-11 May-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Jan-12 Apr-12 Aug-12


How would you describe the current economic situation in
Tunisia?

Very good Somewhat good Somewhat bad Very bad DK/REF
Aug-12 2% 26% 41% 29% 2%

Apr-12 1% 20% 37% 40% 2%

Jan-12 3% 23% 30% 41% 3%

Sep-11 2% 24% 37% 34% 3%

May-11 3% 22% 45% 28% 3%

Mar-11 4% 25% 46% 20% 5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Has your household’s financial situation gotten better or worse
over the last year?

Much better Somewhat better Same Somewhat worse Much worse DK/REF
Aug-12 6% 31% 21% 24% 18% 0.1%
Apr-12 7% 30% 21% 21% 21% 0.2%
Jan-12 6% 27% 30% 19% 17% 1%
Sep-11 6% 29% 31% 18% 14% 1%
May-11 9% 24% 37% 15% 15% 1%
Mar-11 8% 27% 31% 18% 18% 1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Thinking ahead to next year, do you expect your household’s financial situation to be better or worse?


Aug-12 12% 44% 18% 12% 8% 6%
Apr-12 12% 45% 16% 11% 8% 7%
Jan-12 15% 47% 16% 10% 7% 6%
Sep-11 17% 49% 14% 8% 5% 8%
May-11 28% 43% 12% 4% 3% 11%
Mar-11 35% 49% 6% 4% 2% 4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


Which answer best describes your current economic situation?

60%
Mar-11 May-11 Sep-11 Jan-12 Apr-12 Aug-12

50% 49%48%
47%
43% 44%
43%
40%

32% 31%
31% 28%
30% 27% 28%

22%21% 22%
20% 19% 20%
15%

10%
5% 4%
4% 3% 3%
3% 3%2% 3% 1% 0.4%
0.4%
0%
I am able to afford I am able to afford I have enough means I have trouble feeding DK/REF
things like new clothes things like new clothes for survival, but I do myself and my family
and eating out and also and eating at not have enough and buying even the
support other restaurants, but not money for extra things. most essential things
members of my family very often. for survival.
who cannot.


On a scale from one to seven, where one is outstanding and seven is
terrible, how satisfied are you with the quality of your life?

40%
37%
36%
35%
32%

30% 29%

25% 23%
20% Sep-11
20%
20% 18% 20% Jan-12
20% 19%
16% Apr-12
Aug-12
15% 14%
12%

10% 10% 9% 9%
7% 8% 8%
6% 6%
5%
5% 5%
3% 3%
2% 2%
0%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7


Thinking about the current government, which of the following
should be a top priority? (spontaneous response, top responses only)

Issue First Mention Second Mention Third Mention Total

Employment 52% 18% 11% 81%
Development and reform of the economy 15% 26% 10% 51%
Living standards 9% 21% 19% 49%
Transparent government communication 12% 10% 15% 37%
Social reforms 5% 10% 12% 27%
Regional development 1% 3% 5% 9%
Corruption 2% 2% 4% 8%
Achieve the goals of the revolution 2% 1% 4% 7%
Draft new constitution 1% 1% 2% 5%
Organize elections 1% 1% 2% 4%
Security 0% 0% 0% 0%
Other 1% 3% 3% 7%
DK/REF 1% 3% 15% 19%


Are you currently employed?

43%
Yes

57% No


Are you seeking a job?

Entire Sample (n=1,265)

Among unemployed only
(n=719)
Yes
No

66%

59% 41%

34%


What kind of job are you looking for? (spontaneous response, top
responses only; n=414)

Any job 22%
A job that complies to my academic background 13%
Permanent employment 10%
Laborer 10%
Public sector 9%
Services 8%
Plan to create a project 5%
Computing 4%
Liberal profession 3%
Private sector 2%
Health care 2%
Teacher 2%
Business 2%
Driver 1%
Military service 1%
Agriculture sector 1%
Engineer 1%
Accountant 1%
Other 2%
DK/REF 1%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%


Have you ever worked, or have you ever considered, working as a
self-employed person?

4%

18%
I am self-employed

I was once self-employed, but not anymore

6% I have never been self-employed, but I have
considered it
I have never been self-employed, nor considered it
53%
DK/REF
19%


If you were once self-employed, why did you stop working as a
self-employed person? (spontaneous response, top responses only;
n=104)

I did not succeed 36%

Bankruptcy 18%

I'm working abroad 13%

Because of the revolution 12%

My business did not work well 3%

I found another job 3%

Sickness 2%

DK/REF 14%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%


What prevented you from working as a self-employed person?
(spontaneous response, top responses only; n=431)

Lack of finance 37%

I don't have a project idea 10%

Lack of opportunities 8%

I'm not interested 7%

My business is hard 6%

I'm a student 5%

I'm a housewife/My husband
2%
works

Fear of failure 1%

I don't have the capabilities 1%

Other 5%

DK/REF 18%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%


If you are seeking a job, do you expect help from the government
in finding a job? (n=435)

1%

Yes

No
32%
67% DK/REF


What kind of help should the government provide? (spontaneous response,
top responses only; n=292)

Public sector hiring 44%

Give loans 22%

Create projects 8%

Improve my personal situation 6%

Discuss with us 6%

Any kind of help 4%

Help me financially 3%

Organize transparent recruitment
1%
competitions

Attract foreign investment 1%

Other 2%

DK/REF 2%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%


What do you think is the best way to increase jobs in Tunisia?

Increase foreign direct investment 37%

Improve education/Vocational training 26%

Expand public sector 12%

Finance new projects 3%

End strikes and sit-ins 3%

Improve security 2%

Increase tourism 2%

Reduce corruption 2%

Reduce government regulation 1%

Other 2%

DK/REF 10%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%


What do you believe is the primary role of the National Constituent
Assembly?

Draft the new constitution 51%

Develop and reform the economy 12%

Social reform 8%

Security 6%

Oversee the government 3%

Organize elections 2%

Other 1%

DK/REF 17%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%


How long do you believe the National Constituent Assembly should
take to complete its mandate?

Less than one year One year Between one and two years Three years or more DK/REF

Aug-12 16% 29% 26% 18% 12%

Apr-12 13% 30% 29% 15% 12%

Jan-12 9% 35% 30% 12% 14%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


In your opinion how closely associated is each of the following
with a strong economy?

Closely associated Somewhat associated Weakly associated Not associated at all DK/REF

Income equality 43% 21% 12% 15% 9%

Affordable housing and commodities 59% 22% 9% 4% 7%

Low public debt 62% 18% 5% 6% 10%

High standard of living 71% 14% 6% 7% 2%

High per-capita income 74% 17% 5% 2%2%

Low poverty rate 80% 14% 4%1%
1%

Low unemployment 1%
82% 12% 3% 2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%


How often do you keep informed about the National Constituent
Assembly’s work?

Once a day Once a week Once a month Less than once a month Never DK/REF

2%

13%
22%

26%

18%

19%


Regarding the constitution, how important is it to you that the
constitution be completed?

Very important Important Not important Not important at all DK/REF

4% 5%
6%

11%

75%


Could you please explain why completing the new constitution is
important to you? (spontaneous response, top responses only)

To enhance the country's situation 24%

To manage the country's affairs 18%

To establish laws 10.9%

General reforms 11%

To enhance standards of living 4%

To define the country's orientation 3%

They don't care about the citizens 3%

No results 2%

For the stability of the country 2%

To build the republic again 1%

Other 5%

DK/REF 17%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%


Should the new constitution be approved by a national referendum,
or by a vote within the National Constituent Assembly?

Popular referendum Assembly vote DK/REF
100%
6% 4%
9%
90%

27% 18%
80% 28%

70%

60%

50%

40%
73%
66% 69%
30%

20%

10%

0%
Jan-12 Apr-12 Aug-12


What would you say are the most important problems facing
Tunisia as a whole? (spontaneous response, top responses only)

First Mention Second Mention Third Mention Total

Unemployment 59% 16% 10% 85%
Economic and financial crisis 15% 35% 13% 63%
Strikes and sit-ins 5% 12% 13% 30%
Violence, delinquency and
vandalism 7% 11% 10% 28%
Corruption 3% 6% 13% 22%
Political circumstances 3% 3% 9% 15%
Large number of political parties 1% 3% 4% 8%
Terrorism 1% 2% 3% 6%
Libya 1% 1% 2% 4%
Security 1% 1% 1% 3%
Standard of living 0% 2% 1% 3%
Elections 0% 1% 1% 2%
Other 2% 4% 3% 16%
DK/REF 0% 5% 23% 28%


How much do you trust each of the following to protect your
neighborhood?

A great deal Fair amount Only a little Not at all DK/REF

100% 1% 4% 2% 100% 3% 4% 0.4% 100% 1% 0.2%100% 1% 4% 1%
5% 2% 5% 2% 10% 3%
3%
4% 90% 16% 17%
90% 15% 11% 16% 90% 90% 7% 16%
25% 9%
14% 23%
80% 80% 9% 80% 80%
7% 23% 10%
10% 13%
70% 70% 70% 70% 8%
13% 16%
18% 60% 8%
60% 32% 60% 60%
32% 18% 27%
50% 50% 50% 16% 50%
28%
40% 40% 84% 83% 86%
76% 40% 40%
30% 30% 30% 30%
53% 56%
43% 48% 43%
20% 20% 20% 44% 40% 20%
31%
10% 10% 10%
10%
0% 0% 0%
National Citizen National 0%
National Citizen National National Citizen National National Citizen National
army security police army security police army security police
groups army security police
groups groups groups

Sep-2011 Jan-2012 Apr-2012 Aug-2012


Now I am going to read a list of issues and for each one please tell
me whether you feel that the situation has gotten better, gotten
worse or stayed the same over the last year.


Development of independent civil society 11% 32% 22% 12% 9% 14%

Development of independent media 21% 37% 15% 12% 9% 7%

Living standards 5% 8% 23% 35% 27% 2%

Healthcare 8% 19% 31% 23% 17% 3%

Constitutional reform 4% 26% 26% 13% 9% 23%

Legal reform 4% 28% 24% 13% 10% 21%

Direct foreign investment 1% 19% 22% 27% 18% 14%

Government corruption 3% 21% 26% 24% 17% 10%

Unemployment 4% 9% 18% 32% 35% 1%

Security 12% 36% 14% 23% 13% 2%

Political reform 12% 35% 21% 15% 9% 8%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


How likely is the current government to address these issues
facing Tunisia?

Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not likely at all DK/REF

Aug-12 16% 37% 24% 21% 2%

Apr-12 19% 39% 21% 19% 3%

Jan-12 35% 48% 10% 4% 4%

Sep-11 13% 31% 23% 30% 3%

May-11 27% 32% 20% 17% 3%

Mar-11 43% 39% 11% 5% 3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


I would like to ask you about your impressions of the following
people. Do you approve, somewhat approve, somewhat disapprove
or disapprove of the following:

Approve Disapprove Difference

80%

60%
59%
57%
40% 50%
58% 53% 37% 46%
48%
26% 32% 27%
20% 22%
21% 28%
23% 26% 21% 18%
8% 11% 5%
17% 7% 13% 16% 12% 8% 9%
0%
-5% -7%
-10% -10%
-37% -13%
-23% -22% -19%
-14% -22% -21% -19% -17% -20% -19%
-20% -26% -23%
-26% -24%
-36% -40% -31%
-39% -41% -40%
-43% -39% -45%
-40% -49% -49%
-49%
-60%

Ridha Belhaj
Hammadi Jebali

Maya Jeribi

Hachmi Hamdi
Hamma Hammami
Nejib Chebbi

Kamel Morjane

Abu Iyadh

Ali Larayedh
Abdessalem Jerad

Iyadh Ben Achour

Yassin Brahim
Moncef Marzouki

Rachid Ammar

Abderraouf Ayadi
Ahmed Ibrahim

Mustapha Ben Jaafar

Houcine Abassi
Beji Kaied Sebsi

Rachid Ghanouchi

Williams and Associates●Salem, Massachusetts● www.WilliamsPolls.com 29

For whom did you vote in the National Constituent Assembly
elections?

40%
35%
35%

30% 29%

25%

20%

15%
9% 9%
10%
5%
5% 4%
2% 2% 2%
1% 1% 1%
0%


Looking back now, would you change how you voted in the
National Constituent Assembly elections? (n=908)

I believe that I voted correctly It is too early to judge how I voted
I believe that I made the wrong choice DK/REF

100%

90%
89%
80%

70%
68%
60%
59%
50%

40%

30%
24%
20%
20%
9%
10% 6% 8%
5% 8%
0% 5%
1%



Why do you believe you made the wrong choice? (n=232)

I am not pleased with the party I voted for 72%

The party I voted for did not win 7%

I filled the ballot incorrectly 4%

DK/REF 17%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%


Looking ahead to the next elections, do you intend to vote for the
same party, or a different party? (n=901)

9%

6%
I intend to vote for the same party

39% I intend to vote for a different party

I have not yet decided who I will vote
for
27% I do not intend to vote

DK/REF

19%


If you had to choose from the following political parties, for whom
would you vote in the next election?

Ennahda Movement 27%

Nida Tunis 6%

Ettakatol 6%

Congress for the Republic 6%

Tunisian Workers Party 3%

Jomhouri Party 2%

Party of Progressive Conservatives 1%

El Amen Party 0.3%

Al-Masar Party 0.2%

Refused 7%

DK 41%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%


Some political parties chose not to join the majority coalition in the
National Constituent Assembly. Do you approve or disapprove of
this choice, or do you have no opinion of the role of political
opposition?

Strongly approve Approve Disapprove Strongly disapprove No opinion DK/REF

15%
21%

7%

26%
19%

11%


When do you believe Tunisia’s next elections will occur?

After March 20, 2013 27%

March 20, 2013 34%

Before March 20, 2013 15%

Other 2%

DK/REF 24%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%


In your opinion, what kind of elections will these be?

Presidential Legislative/Parliamentary Local/Municipal General/All levels DK/REF
70%

59%
60% 56%
51%
50%

40%

30% 26%
23%
20%
16% 15%
13% 12%
9% 9% 8%
10%
2%
0% 0%
0%


If you could pick, which type of government would you prefer in
Tunisia?

60% Jan-12 Apr-12 Aug-12

52% 53%
50%

42%
40%

30%
25% 24%
21%
19% 19%
20%
16%
14%

10% 7% 8%

0%
DK/REF Presidential system Parliamentary system A mixed government


If you had a choice between a stable and prosperous Tunisia that was
ruled by a non-democratic government, or a democratic government
that led to an unstable and insecure Tunisia, which would you choose?

Non-democratic government Democratic government DK/REF

80%

70%
70%

60% 55%
52%
48%
50%
41%
38%
40%
34%

30% 26%

18%
20%

10% 7% 7%
4%

0%
Sep-11 Jan-12 Apr-12 Aug-12


Where are you most likely to get your local news and information?

Second
Source First Mention Third Mention Total
Mention

Tunisian television 61% 24% 6% 91%

Radio 9% 33% 16% 57%

Newspaper 4% 11% 18% 33%

Gatherings at public places 6% 12% 14% 32%

Internet 18% 7% 4% 29%

SMS 0% 1% 0% 1%

Mosque 0% 0% 1% 1%

Other 1% 2% 4% 7%
DK/REF 1% 11% 37% 49%


Do you have access to the Internet? If yes, where do you usually
access it?

No n=543

27% Yes - Home

57% 43%

3% Yes - Work
2% Yes – Mobile
phone

12% Yes - Other

0.2% Yes – School

Williams and Associates●Salem, Massachusetts● www.WilliamsPolls.com 41

Do you know what the difference is between a secular and a non-
secular government?

90%

80% 77%

68%
70% 65% 64% 65%

60%

50%

40% 35% 36% 35%
32%

30%
23%

20%

10%

0%
May-11 Sep-11 Jan-12 Apr-12 Aug-12
Yes No


As you may already know, in a secular government, the government’s decisions
on public policy and laws are made without any consideration to religion; some
people refer to this as the separation of religion and state. It does not mean that
the government is atheist just that no specific religious idea is promoted when
making laws. Considering this definition of secularism, in general would you
approve or disapprove of the government of Tunisia being secular?

Approve secular government Disapprove secular government DK/REF
70%

60%

50%
50% 46% 47%
43%
41%
40% 44%
42%
32%

30%

28%
20%
11%
8% 7%
10%

0%
Sep-11 Jan-12 Apr-12 Aug-12


Would you prefer to see more political parties or entities that are
Islamist or secular in the National Constituent Assembly?

Strongly Islamist Moderately Islamist Moderately secular Strongly secular DK/REF

Aug-12 9% 55% 26% 6% 4%

Apr-12 6% 60% 27% 3%4%

2%
Jan-12 11% 68% 18% 2%

Sep-11 9% 55% 26% 3% 8%

May-11 8% 51% 33% 3% 6%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


In your opinion, has security in Tunisia improved since the elections?
What about the security of your neighborhood or community?

Yes No DK/REF

Tunisia 68% 31% 1%

My
neighborhood/Community 72% 27% 1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%


In your opinion, what role should civil society organizations play in
Tunisia?

Represent citizens to
14% government
21% Provide social services

Research public policies
1%

1% Perform community service

Educate the public on
citizenship
14% 33% Protect human rights

No role

8% Other

DK/REF

5% 4%


2012 october 3 survey of tunisian public opinion, july 26 august 8, 2012

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