TBILISI – Poll results released today by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and CRRC Georgia show 92 percent of Georgians assert that living in a democracy is important, and a majority believes a western-style democracy is best for the country. However, only 43 percent believe Georgia is currently a democracy, and 46 percent do not. This lack of belief in Georgian democracy is at its highest since 2013.

TBILISI – Poll results released today by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and CRRC Georgia show the plurality of Georgians (38 percent) believe the country is going in the wrong direction. Key issues, including the court system, corruption, crime, jobs, poverty, territorial integrity, and prices, are also evaluated as moving in the wrong direction. However, issues of freedom of speech, healthcare, EU and NATO membership, media independence, and education are viewed as slightly improving.

NDI surveys public opinion to help Georgian stakeholders diagnose and address issues of public concern by providing accurate, unbiased and statistically-sound data. This poll aims to capture the most relevant information to foster the development of responsive policies and governance. A wide range of leaders from across the political spectrum have reported that the polls are important to their work and encourage continued polling.

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.

The UK Conflict Stability and Security Fund in Iraq is funding the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to conduct independent public opinion research across Iraq. The three-year project aims to help the Government of Iraq, civil society and the international community to monitor and understand conditions in Iraq, and to better understand and respond to the needs of citizens as they evolve over the longer term.

NDI Ukraine’s July 2018 public opinion survey showed overwhelming and stable support for a fully functioning democracy (83 percent). The demand remains strong across all regions of Ukraine with equal justice for all and free and fair elections being the most important characteristics of democracy for Ukrainian citizens.

NDI presents a consolidated report of public opinion research among young people in three countries of Central Europe: Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. This report includes polling, focus group research and analysis conducted earlier this year.  NDI partnered with Political Capital (Hungary), the Institute of Public Affairs (Poland) and the Institute for Public Affairs (Slovakia) in conducting and analyzing the research.

The research findings offer complex views of youth sentiment:

A nationwide survey of Gambian citizens conducted by JPM Strategic Solutions on behalf of NDI reveals that despite significant social and economic challenges facing The Gambia, citizens feel optimistic about the country’s direction. This optimism is largely driven by newfound democratic freedoms experienced by Gambians including freedom of expression, assembly, movement, and the media.

These are the results of a statewide poll in Bosnia and Herzegovina conducted in April and May 2018 with an emphasis on citizens' views of the upcoming general elections.

With funding from the UK Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, NDI fielded a national public opinion poll in Iraq from February to April 2018. The results show that Iraqi men and women are refocusing on economic challenges of unemployment and corruption. Iraqis are positive about their future. Sectarianism is losing its public appeal with results showing that most Iraqis are willing to compromise for the unity of the country. However, though security forces enjoy broad public support, trust in governing institutions and structures is at a critical low.