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RESULTS OF THE NATION OPINION POLL CONDUCTED ON MARCH 2-12, 2010

(1.521 persons interviewed, margin of error does not exceed 0.03)

 

1. Which of the points of view in relation to Belarus is closer to you?

Variant of answer

%

We expect the deepening crisis and the increase in related problems

25.6

The crisis has “reached bottom” and would not be worse

38.3

Belarus has already begun to emerge from the crisis

26.6

DA/NA

9.5

2. In what way is the economic crisis the result of the economic policy leadership of the country in recent years?

Variant of answer

%

Almost fully

15.8

Much

32.3

In a small extent

28.5

Not that this was the cause of economic crisis

15.8

DA/NA

7.6

3. What do you think the Belarusian government has a designed program to overcome the crisis?

Variant of answer

%

Yes, there is a sound economic program

27.2

There is no program, there is only a general idea of what to do

29.9

The Government has no program, decisions are made by immediate circumstances

32.1

DA/NA

10.8

4. Do you consider yourself closer to the Russians or Europeans?

Variant of answer

%

To the Russians

74.5

To the Europeans

19.4

NA

6.1

5. Some people believe that ”a powerful hand” is the best governing method, others give preference to democracy. And what do you prefer?

Variant of answer

%

Democracy

53.9

”Powerful hand”

32.1

DA/NA

14.0

6. Does, in your opinion, the activity of the power vertical created by the president A. Lukashenko do more good or more harm to the country?

Variant of answer

%

More good

41.0

More harm

33.8

DA/NA

25.2

7. After the diplomatic conflict between Belarus and the United States, which broke out in the spring of 2008, relations between the two countries remain tense (eg, staff of the U.S. embassy in Minsk fell five times, and the Belarusians have to go for U.S. visas in other countries). Do you think it necessary to restore normal relations with the U.S. or not?

Variant of answer

%

It is necessary to restore normal relations with the United States

47.5

This is not necessarily

19.1

I do not care

29.3

DA/NA

4.1

8. In the beginning of the year between Belarus and Russia there broke out a sharp conflict over the oil supplies to Belarus. Who, in your opinion, was to blame in this conflict?

Variant of answer

%

Belarusian authorities

14.8

Russian authorities

24.6

Both sides equally

50.7

DA/NA

9.9

9. Under an agreement with Russia, Belarus in 2010 will receive 6.3 million tons of oil, without customs duties for the internal needs of Belarus, and another 15 million tons for processing and sale to the West – with full duty. In this regard, compared with year 2009 Belarus will lose about 2.5 billion dollars. Which of the statements do you agree with?

Variant of answer

%

This is unfair from Russia’s side, it must sacrifice its economic interests for the sake of an ally

32.6

This is fair from Russia’s side, it is not obliged to sacrifice its economic interests to an ally

47.3

DA/NA

20.1

10. The recent intensification of conflict between authorities and members of unregistered Union of Poles of Belarus headed by Angelika Borys, which led to a sharp deterioration in relations with Poland. What kind of views on this subject do you agree with?

Variant of answer

%

Activists of the Union headed by Boris A. violate the law, they are persecuted by the law

31.7

Harassment of activists of the Union – part of a campaign of suppression of civil liberties in Belarus

22.6

In the conflict are guilty both the Union of Poles and the Belarusian authorities

13.0

DA/NA

32.7

11. In what way do local (municipal, district, regional) Councils and their deputies your life influence your life?

Variant of answer

%

They influence significantly

14.4

They influence slightly

36.2

They do not effect at all

46.2

DA/NA

3.2

12. Should, in your opinion, the powers of local councils be expanded?

Variant of answer

%

Yes

25.9

No

58.0

DA/NA

16.1

13. Do you know who is a member of a local Council of your district?

Variant of answer

%

Yes

33.8

No

62.3

DA/NA

3.9

14. Do you know when in Belarus next elections to local councils will be held?

Variant of answer

%

I know, in April 2010

63.7

Do not know

35.3

NA

1.0

15. Are you going to vote in elections to deputies of local councils in April 2010?

Variant of answer

%

Yes

62.9

No

37.1

16. For what candidate would you like to vote?

Variant of answer

%

For a candidate-supporter of A. Lukashenko

34.6

For a candidate-opponent of A. Lukashenko

10.0

For another candidate

25.3

DA/NA

30.1

17. Do you know anything about your constituency candidates? (more than one answer is possible)

Variant of answer

%

No, I do not know anything about them

76.5

Yes, I have got candidates’ leaflets

12.4

Yes, I have heard the candidates’ appearances on the radio, on TV, have read in the newspapers

8.0

Yes, candidates have come to my place

3.9

Yes, I have met the candidates at a pre-election gathering, meeting

2.0

18. Will be, in your opinion, during the election equal conditions for all candidates for deputies in local councils?

Variant of answer

%

Yes

44.6

No

36.4

DA/NA

19.0

19. Should, in your opinion, representatives of all political forces including opposition be a part of election committees?

Variant of answer

%

Yes

70.7

No

22.0

DA/NA

7.3

20. Should observers of all political forces including opposition be present at the polling places, in your opinion?

Variant of answer

%

Yes

73.9

No

19.1

DA/NA

7.0

21. Will the official results of the local Councils deputies elections correspond to the voting results, in your opinion?

Variant of answer

%

Yes

49.3

No

32.1

DA/NA

18.6