IRI polls: 60% of Georgians wish to see new political parties in future elections

A new nationwide poll conducted in Georgia by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) says that 60% of Georgians would like to see new political parties in future elections.

 

The polls have revealed concerns over the economy, feelings of political polarization, and fears over threats from Russia.

 

Ninety percent of Georgians said that Russia was the greatest political threat and 83% cited Russia as the greatest economic threat.

 

When asked if the country was moving toward consensus or more polarization, 71% chose the latter.

 

Seventy-six percent of Georgians said the economy has worsened a lot or somewhat over the last twelve months. Six percent said it has improved in the same timeframe.

 

 “The economy continues to be the dominant issue on the minds of the Georgian people,” said Stephen Nix, Regional Director for Eurasia at IRI. “It is clear that more solutions must be offered to tackle problems related to unemployment and the cost of living.”

 

“The data reveals that people see the country becoming more polarized when building consensus should be the goal,” said Nix. “This is partly why a majority of Georgians desire new political parties.”

 

This survey was between March 4 and March 24, 2022. The fieldwork was conducted by the Institute of Polling and Marketing. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews in respondents’ homes.

 

The sample consists of 1,486 Georgians aged 18 and eligible to vote.