With funding provided by the Government of Canada, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) recently conducted qualitative public opinion research in five provinces in Iraq: Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa, and Salahaddin. Results show that the most pressing need among Iraqi citizens in provinces formerly occupied by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is finding job opportunities and improving their economic situation. This is seen as a precondition for satisfying other necessities which the government is failing to provide, mainly water and electricity.
In September 2018, NDI organized a set of 12 focus groups to gauge public attitudes on the performance of the parliament and members of parliament (MPs), views on the recent municipal elections and opinions on upcoming regional, legislative and Presidential elections. The research also explores ideas related to citizen outreach, priority issues for the upcoming legislative year and possible amendments to electoral law and the constitution. The research marked the Institute's 20th round of focusgroups since the revolution of 2011 and the ninth since 2014 elections.