A new poll in the Palestinian street

Marwan Barghouti is the strongest candidate for the presidential Elections-(31-3-2009)

The Near East Consulting Company, conducted a new opinion poll in the period between March 28-30 (March) 2009. The interviews were conducted with a random sample of 900 adults; the percentage of error is 3.4%. The poll states:

The results showed that only 56% believe that the ongoing dialogue between Fatah and Hamas will succeed in achieving national reconciliation and ending the division between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It also found that 70% will blame Hamas and Fatah in the event of failure to reach a consaliation. 20% will blame Hamas alone and 10% will blame Fatah alone.

On a scale of priorities for the next prime minister, came the issue of settlement of disputes between the West Bank and Gaza Strip first by 55%, followed by the issue of reform by 21% and then the issue of improving the economy by 20% while 3% believes that the next prime minister should only act as a transition and preparing for the coming elections.

The popularity of President Mahmoud Abbas rises against Ismail Haniyeh. If presidential elections were held today between Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and Ismail Haniyeh, the results are 64% for Abbas and 36% for Haniyeh. But if the competition was between Marwan Barghouti and Ismail Haniyeh, only, Barghouti will get 69% and 31% for Haniyeh. While in the case of the competition between Abbas and Barghouti, Barghouti will get 56% versus 44% for Abbas.