A majority of Jamaicans feel that the governing People's National Party does not deserve a fourth term in office, according to the latest Gleaner-Don Anderson public opinion poll.Of those surveyed, 51.7 per cent said the PNP, in office since 1989 and a record three consecutive terms, had not done enough to justify another term in office. "This view was held principally by young persons, 18-24 and by persons in the upper echelons of society," Mr. Anderson said in his analysis.
The pollster and his team from Market Research Services Ltd., pointed out however, that this position was "countered by the over 40 per cent who rate the PNP's performance as good enough to warrant them being allowed a fourth term in office". Eight-point-one per cent of those interviewed were not sure.
The poll, in which 1,119 persons were interviewed in 92 communities islandwide, was conducted from August 1 to 23. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 per cent.
Of those opposed to the PNP being re-elected to office, 36 per cent cited mismanagement and the destruction of the country while 33 per cent said it was time for a change. Seventeen per cent said the PNP had failed to improve the economy; 6.6 per cent said that people were suffering; 4.0 per felt the Government's policies had contributed to unemployment and 2.6 per cent are not satisfied enough was done to address crime and violence.
By contrast, 45 per cent of those in favour of the PNP getting a fourth term in office said the party was doing a good job. Nearly 16 per cent said a fourth term was necessary for the party to do the work it had started while 11.8 per cent said it was doing its best.
Among this category of respondents to the question: "Why do you say that the PNP deserves a fourth term?", 6.2 per cent said the PNP was the best party, 8.2 per cent said it had improved the physical infrastructure; 5.1 per cent cited the provision of housing solutions; while 4.9 per cent lacked confidence in the opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
