IRI polls reveal ‘sustained support’ for gov’t anti-coronavirus efforts, 90% of eligible voters to vote

Recent polls by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) have revealed ‘sustained support’ for the government’s management of COVID-19 as well as ‘persistent anxiety over the economy’, saying that these issues ‘are motivating citizens to go to the polls on October 31 and make their voices heard.’

The polls say that if the elections were held this coming Sunday, the ruling Georgian Dream party would be the first choice for 33 per cent of voters and second choice for three per cent of voters. Most of the voters remain undecided in the polls. 

When asked to cite the government’s main accomplishments, the fight against COVID-19 topped the list (22 per cent), with healthcare reform following in second place (12 per cent).

Unemployment remained the most important issue affecting towns and villages, with 25 per cent of citizens ranking it first. On a household level, unemployment was also cited as a top concern, with 31 per cent of Georgians naming it as the most important problem.

• This survey was conducted on behalf of IRI’s Center for Insights in Survey Research by Dr. Rasa Alisauskiene of the public and market research company Baltic Surveys/ The Gallup Organization between August 4 and August 21, 2020.
• The fieldwork was conducted by the Institute of Polling and Marketing. Data was collected using a multistage probability sampling method through in-person, in-home interviews. The sample consists of 1,500 Georgians aged 18 and older and eligible to vote.