public opinion report on democracy in pakistan
TRANSCRIPT
Democracy in Pakistan 1
PUBLIC OPINION REPORT ON DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN
A Trend & Cross-Sectional Analysis
Democracy in Pakistan 2
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Democracy in Pakistan 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. 5
SECTION 1: PERCEPTION OF DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN .............................................. 7
ITEM 1.1: PERCEPTION OF DEMOCRACY .......................................................................................... 8 ITEM 1.2: POLITICAL FAVORITISM IN MEDIA .................................................................................... 8 ITEM 1.3: PREFERENCE OF DEMOCRACY ......................................................................................... 9 ITEM 1.4: PERCEPTION OF DEMOCRACY .......................................................................................... 9 ITEM 1.5: PERCEPTION OF MARTIAL LAW .................................................................................... 10 ITEM 1.6: DEMOCRACY AS BEST FORM OF GOVERNMENT ............................................................. 10 ITEM 1.7: MOST ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTIC OF DEMOCRACY .................................................. 11 ITEM 1.8: IMPORTANCE OF VOTING FOR DEMOCRACY .................................................................. 11 ITEM 1.9: IMPORTANCE OF DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION .......................................................... 12 ITEM 1.10: DEMOCRACY AS BEST FORM OF GOVERNMENT .......................................................... 12
SECTION 2: DEMOCRATIC PERFORMANCE IN PAKISTAN ............................................. 13
ITEM 2.1: DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN ............................................................................................. 14 ITEM 2.2: NAWAZ SHARIF’S DEMOCRATIC PERFORMANCE ........................................................... 14 ITEM 2.3: ASIF ALI ZARDARI’S TERM COMPLETION ...................................................................... 15 ITEM 2.4: ASIF ALI ZARDARI’S DEMOCRATIC PERFORMANCE ...................................................... 15
SECTION 3: DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN PAKISTAN .............................................. 16
ITEM 3.1: PERCEPTION OF GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS ....................................................................... 17 ITEM 3.2: PAKISTANI GOVERNANCE SYSTEM ................................................................................. 18 ITEM 3.3: DEMOCRACY STATUS IN PAKISTAN .............................................................................. 18 ITEM 3.4: FRIENDLY OPPOSITION BETWEEN POLITICAL PARTIES ................................................. 19
SECTION 4: THE POLITICS OF DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN .......................................... 20
ITEM 4.1: PERCEPTION OF PM DISQUALIFICATION ........................................................................ 21 ITEM 4.2: OPINION ABOUT GROWTH OF DEMOCRACY ................................................................. 21 ITEM 4.3: OPINION ABOUT ESTABLISHMENT OF RULE OF LAW ................................................... 22 ITEM 4.4: PERCEPTION OF PTI ....................................................................................................... 22 ITEM 4.5: OPINION ABOUT GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION ...................................................... 23 ITEM 4.6: ISLAMABAD SIT-IN ......................................................................................................... 23 ITEM 4.7: PERCEPTION OF GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS ....................................................................... 24 ITEM 4.8: FOREIGN EXPERTS’ ROLE IN ENSURING FAIR ELECTIONS ............................................ 24 ITEM 4.9: PERCEPTION OF LONG MARCH ..................................................................................... 25
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ITEM 4.10: FAIR ELECTIONS UNDER ELECTION COMMISSION ...................................................... 25 ITEM 4.11: IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR DEMOCRACY ..................................................................... 26 ITEM 4.12: IMPORTANCE OF ARTICLE 62 AND 63 ........................................................................... 26 ITEM 4.13: ELECTIONS ON SAME DAY ............................................................................................ 27 ITEM 4.14: APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM GOVERNMENT .................................................................. 27 ITEM 4.15: POLITICAL TALK SHOWS’ ROLE IN DEMOCRACY ........................................................ 28
SECTION 5: ROLE OF ARMY IN PAKISTANI DEMOCRACY ............................................. 29
ITEM 5.1: SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRACY ............................................................................................ 30 ITEM 5.2: AUTONOMY OF PAKISTAN ARMY ................................................................................... 30 ITEM 5.3: ARMY’S ROLE IN DEMOCRACY ........................................................................................ 31
SECTION 6: SATISFACTION WITH DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN .................................. 32
ITEM 6.1: SATISFACTION WITH DEMOCRACY ................................................................................ 33
METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................ 34
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Executive Summary
Section 1: Perception of Democracy in Pakistan
Pakistanis generally opined in favor of democracy over all other systems and were against media
favoritism and political biases in objective news reporting. There has been a significant decline in
the popularity of martial law and dictatorship in Pakistan. For majority Pakistanis, the most
important characteristic of democracy was bridging the gap between the rich and poor, and
democratic participation and right to vote was seen as an integral part of a fulfilling life.
Section 2: Democratic Performance in Pakistan
Pakistanis believed that the democratic system in Pakistan was one of the more favorable among
South Asian countries. Majority were pleased with the democratic term completion of President
Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government claiming it to be a victory for
democracy in Pakistan.
Section 3: Democratic Governance in Pakistan
Large proportion of Pakistanis favored direct democracy and considered Pakistan’s governance
to be fully democratic. While nearly half Pakistanis believed that the friendly opposition between
PMLN and PPP were beneficial for Democracy.
Section 4: The Politics of Democracy in Pakistan
Majority Pakistanis believed that PM disqualification was bad for democracy and the decision by
Supreme Court would adversely affect democracy. More than half Pakistanis also believed that
PTI’s protest against government and the disagreements between PTI and government were
negatively impacting democracy. Public trust in election commission and fair elections has
improved over the years and believed that the political talk shows are beneficial for democracy.
Democracy in Pakistan 6
Section 5: Role of Army in Pakistani Democracy
Majority Pakistanis believed the army’s role in democracy will be very/somewhat beneficial. while
half Pakistanis were in favor of the Army being an independent institution, not accountable to
Prime Minister.
Section 6: Satisfaction with Democracy in Pakistan
Nearly half Pakistanis were satisfied with the current state of democracy in Pakistan.
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Section 1: Perception of Democracy in Pakistan
Democracy in Pakistan 8
Item 1.1: Perception of Democracy
Question: “Some people think that democracy is better than all other political systems
whereas some people are of the opinion that it is actually the opposite. What is your opinion of this?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2019
In 2019, nearly 3 in 5 Pakistanis (59%) opined that democracy is better than all other political systems.
Item 1.2: Political Favoritism in Media
Question: “Is it acceptable for a news organization to favor one political party over others when reporting the news?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2018
In 2018, 2 in 3 Pakistanis (66%) were of the opinion that it is unacceptable for a news organization to favor one political party over others when reporting the news.
It is better,
59%
It is not, 30%
DK/NR,, 11%
Yes, 27%
No, 66%
DK/NR, 7%
Democracy in Pakistan 9
Item 1.3: Preference of Democracy
Question: “Some people like democracy while others prefer dictatorship. Please tell us what you personally prefer: democracy or dictatorship?”
(DK/NR not shown) Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2013-2017 Note: Caution should be taken while interpreting comparative data. Please read the note on Comparative Data in Methodology.
Between 2013 and 2017, 9% decline in the proportion of Pakistanis who prefer democracy over dictatorship.
Item 1.4: Perception of Democracy
Question: “I am now going to read you three statements about democracy. Please say which one of the three statements comes closest to your own personal views about
democracy?”
(DK/NR not shown) Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2017 Note: Caution should be taken while interpreting comparative data. Please read the note on Comparative Data in Methodology.
In 2017, more than 1 in 2 Pakistanis (53%) preferred democracy over any other kind of government. 29% said that non-democratic governments can be preferable over other types under certain circumstances.
53%
29%18%
Democracy is preferable toany other kind of
government
In some circumstances, anon-democratic
government can bepreferable
For someone like me, it doesn’t matter what kind of
government we have
82% 84% 84%73%
15% 15% 16% 21%
2013 2014 2016 2017
Democracy Dictatorship
Democracy in Pakistan 10
Item 1.5: Perception of Martial Law
Question: “Some people believe that martial law was better than democracy while others believe that martial law is a curse. What do you think about this?”
(DK/NR not shown) Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2015 & 2016 Note: Caution should be taken while interpreting comparative data. Please read the note on Comparative Data in Methodology.
Between 2015 – 2016: 7% decline in the proportion of Pakistanis who opine that martial law is better than democracy.
Item 1.6: Democracy as Best Form of Government
Question: “To what extent do you agree that Democracy may have problems but its best form of government?”
(DK/NR not shown) Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 & 2014 Note: Caution should be taken while interpreting comparative data. Please read the note on Comparative Data in Methodology.
Between 2007-2014, nearly 7 in 10 Pakistanis continue to agree (completely/somewhat) that while democracy may have problems, it is still the best form of government.
31%24%
56%63%
2015 2016
Martial law is better Martial law is a curse
40% 39%
36% 27%
40%
27%
35%
37% 38%
27%13% 12%
15% 16%
13%
9% 7% 3% 8%
14%
2007 2008 2009 2011 2014
Agree
Somewhat Agree
Somewhat Disagree
Disagree
Democracy in Pakistan 11
Item 1.7: Most Essential Characteristic of Democracy
Question: “Which of the following is the most essential characteristic of a democracy?”
(DK/NR not shown) Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2013 Note: Caution should be taken while interpreting comparative data. Please read the note on Comparative Data in Methodology.
In 2013, nearly 2 in 5 Pakistanis (38%) believed that the most essential characteristic of democracy is government narrowing the gap between the rich and poor.
Item 1.8: Importance of Voting for Democracy
Question: “Do you agree that if people stop voting then democracy will end in our country?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2012
In 2012, more than half Pakistanis (54%) agreed that democracy would end in the country, if people stopped voting.
Agree, 54%
Somewhat Agree, 28%
Disagree, 10%
DK/NR, 8%
38%
27%22%
1%
Government narrowsthe gap between the
rich and the poor.
People choose thegovernment leaders
in free and fairelection.
Government doesnot waste any public
money.
People are free toexpress their political
views openly.
Democracy in Pakistan 12
Item 1.9: Importance of Democratic Participation
Question: “Kindly tell how important or unimportant is it for you [To participate in democracy and vote in elections]?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2012
In 2012, for nearly half Pakistanis (48%) participation in democracy and voting was a very important objective/goal in their life.
Item 1.10: Democracy as Best Form of Government
Question: “Please tell us, how much you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I consider democracy the best”?
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2008
In 2008, more than 7 in 10 Pakistanis said they considered democracy the best.
Very Important,
48%
Somewhat important, 35%
DK/NR, 17%
Agree, 40%
Somewhat Agree, 33%
Somewhat Disagree,
13%
Disagree , 5%
DK/NR, 9%
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Section 2: Democratic Performance in Pakistan
Democracy in Pakistan 14
Item 2.1: Democracy in Pakistan
Question: “Thinking about Pakistan’s relations with other countries in South Asia including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Burma/Myanmar, Bhutan, the Maldives, Afghanistan, to what extent do you agree or
disagree that other countries in South Asia can learn from the example of Pakistan’s democracy?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2017
In 2013, 85% Pakistanis believed that other South Asian countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Burma/Myanmar, Bhutan, the Maldives and Afghanistan can learn from the example of Pakistan’s democracy.
Item 2.2: Nawaz Sharif’s Democratic Performance
Question: “Recently, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was awarded the highest civil medal for democracy in Turkey. Were you happy about hearing this news, sad or had mixed
feelings?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2013
2013: 3 in 5 Pakistanis (60%) said they were happy about Nawaz Sharif being awarded the highest civil medal for democracy in Turkey.
Happy, 60%
Sad, 7%
Mixed Feelings,
31%
Completely Agree, 45%
Somewhat Agree, 40%
Somewhat Disagree,
13%
Completely Disagree, 2%
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Item 2.3: Asif Ali Zardari’s Term Completion
Question: “President Asif Ali Zardari is the first President of Pakistan who completed his 5 years democratic term. Please tell us, what is your opinion on the overall performance of
President Asif Ali Zardari?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2013
2013: Over a quarter Pakistanis (28%) had a favorable opinion about the overall performance of President Asif Ali Zardari as President of Pakistan.
Item 2.4: Asif Ali Zardari’s Democratic Performance
Question: “Do you agree that President Zardari’s 5-year term completion is a victory for democracy?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2013
In 2013, nearly 3 in 5 Pakistanis (58%) opined that President Zardari’s 5-year term completion was a victory for democracy.
Very Good, 6%
Good, 22%
Bad, 31%
Very Bad, 32%
DK/NR, 9%
Yes, 58%
No, 33%
DK/NR, 9%
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Section 3: Democratic Governance in Pakistan
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Item 3.1: Perception of Governance Systems
Question: “For each one, would it be a very good, somewhat good, somewhat bad or very bad way of governing this country?”
DK/NR not shown) Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2018 Note: Caution should be taken while interpreting comparative data. Please read the note on Comparative Data in Methodology.
In 2018, nearly 7 in 10 Pakistanis believed that Direct Democracy would be a good way of governing Pakistan, whereas 41% believed the same about Rule by military. 2 in 5 Pakistanis believed that a technocratic government and rule by a strong leader would be good. While more than 3 in 5 believed a representative democracy will be good
29%
25%
18%
13%
15%
39%
37%
27%
30%
26%
20%
25%
27%
27%
27%
9%
9%
18%
20%
24%
A democratic system where citizens, not electedofficials, vote directly on major national issues todecide what becomes law (Direct Democracy)
A democratic system where representatives electedby citizens decide what becomes law
(Representative Democracy)
A system in which a strong leader can makedecisions without interference from parliament or
the courts (Rule by strong leader)
Experts, not elected officials, make decisionsaccording to what they think is best for the country
(Rule by experts)
The military rules the country (Rule by military)
Good Somewhat Good Somewhat Bad Bad
Democracy in Pakistan 18
Item 3.2: Pakistani Governance System
Question: “In your opinion, is the system of governance in Pakistan somewhat democratic, fully democratic or non-democratic?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2016
In 2016, almost half Pakistanis considered the system of governance in Pakistan as fully democratic.
Item 3.3: Democracy Status in Pakistan Question: In your opinion, since the last 4 years has the country become more democratic,
less democratic or is it the same? (I.e. have the opportunities to run the government according to the will of the people increased or decreased)?”
DK/NR not shown) Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2012, 2013 & 2015 Note: Caution should be taken while interpreting comparative data. Please read the note on Comparative Data in Methodology.
21%
43%
21%
30%
20%
23%
37%
33%
45%
2012 2013 2015
More democratic Less democratic Remained the Same
Completely Democratic,
45%
Somewhat Democratic, 41%
Not Democratic at All, 11%
DK/NR, 3%
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Between 2012 – 2015: 8% rise in proportion of Pakistanis who believe that over the last 4 years democracy in our country has remained the same. The proportion of Pakistanis who believed that the country had become more democractic increased to 43% in 2013 after PPP became the first democratic party to complete its 5-year term in office.
Item 3.4: Friendly Opposition between Political Parties
Question: “Suppose if the friendly opposition between Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League ends, would this have a positive effect or a negative effect on
democracy in Pakistan?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2014
In 2014, almost half Pakistanis believed that if the opposition between Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League ended, it would have a negative effect on democracy in Pakistan.
Positive, 36%
Negative, 45%
DK/NR, 19%
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Section 4: The Politics of Democracy in Pakistan
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Item 4.1: Perception of PM disqualification
Question: “Some people think that PM disqualification is a good thing for Democracy. Others think it is a bad thing for democracy. What is your opinion?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2017
In 2017, nearly 2 in 5 Pakistanis (38%) believed that the Prime Minister’s disqualification is a bad thing for Democracy.
Item 4.2: Opinion about Growth of Democracy
Question: “Some people think that after the current decision by Supreme court there would be positive effects on following others think that there would be negative effect.
What is your opinion?” [Growth of democracy in Pakistan]
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2017
In 2017, over 6 in 10 Pakistanis agreed that decision by Supreme Court (to disqualify the PM) would negatively affect the growth of democracy in Pakistan.
Good, 36%
Bad, 38%
Neither Good nor Bad, 26%
Very Negative Effect, 29%
Somewhat Negative, 32%
Somewhat Positive, 23%
Very Positive,
16%
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Item 4.3: Opinion about Establishment of Rule of Law
Question: “Some people think that after the current decision by Supreme court there would be positive effects on following others think that there would be negative effect.
What is your opinion?” [Establishment of Rule of Law]
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2017
In 2017, nearly 2 in 3 Pakistanis agreed that the decision by Supreme Court would have negative effects on the establishment of Rule of Law in Pakistan.
Item 4.4: Perception of PTI
Question: “Please tell to what extent do you agree or disagree that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s protest is a threat to democracy?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2016
In 2016, over 1 in 2 Pakistanis agreed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s protest against PM Nawaz Sharid’s corruption in Panama scandal is a threat to democracy.
Very Negative Effect, 33%
Somewhat Negative, 31%
Somewhat Positive, 23%
Very Positive, 12%
DK/NR, 1%
Agree, 19%
Somewhat Agree, 34%
Somewhat Disagree, 28%
Disagree , 19%
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Item 4.5: Opinion about Government and Opposition
Question: “Some people think that democracy is being negatively affected due to the disagreements between the Government and the Opposition. They are not only making
democracy weaker, but also forcing other powers (such as the army) to intervene. Do you agree or disagree?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2016
In 2016, over 3 in 5 Pakistanis agreed that democracy is being negatively affected due to the disagreements between the Government and the Opposition.
Item 4.6: Islamabad Sit-In
Question: “Some people think that the ‘sit-in’ in Islamabad has resulted in a culture of democracy in the country and has benefitted it. While others think that it has caused more
harm than good. What is your opinion? Has there been collective benefit or harm?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2014
In 2014, nearly 2 in 3 Pakistanis believed that the ‘sit-in’ in Islamabad had caused more harm than good.
Agree, 26%
Somewhat Agree, 36%
Somewhat Disagree, 28%
Disagree , 8%
DK/NR, 2%
Collective Benefit,
22%
Collective Harm, 64%
DK/NR, 14%
Democracy in Pakistan 24
Item 4.7: Perception of Governance Systems
Question: “Some people think that PM disqualification is a good thing for Democracy. Others think it is a bad thing for democracy. What is your opinion?”
(DK/NR not shown) Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2009, 2010 & 2013 Note: Caution should be taken while interpreting comparative data. Please read the note on Comparative Data in Methodology.
Between 2009 – 2013: 7% increase in proportion of Pakistanis who believed that PM disqualification is a good thing for Democracy.
Item 4.8: Foreign Experts’ Role in Ensuring Fair Elections
Question: During the current elections, many experts from different countries are coming to analyze fairness of elections. In your view is this good for the democracy in Pakistan or
not?”
(DK/NR not shown) Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2007 & 2013 Note: Caution should be taken while interpreting comparative data. Please read the note on Comparative Data in Methodology.
Between 2007 – 2013: 26% decline in proportion of Pakistanis who believe foreign experts analyzing fairness of elections in Pakistan is good for the democracy in Pakistan.
27%12%
34%
53%73%
56%
2009 2010 2013
Yes No
61%
35%36%
63%
2007 2013
Yes No
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Item 4.9: Perception of Long March
Question: “In your opinion, does Long March strengthens the Democracy or weakens it?” ؟
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2013
In 2013, over 2 in 5 Pakistanis believed that Long March weakened the Democracy while a similar proportion (40%) belived that it strengthened democracy.
Item 4.10: Fair Elections under Election Commission
Question: “In your opinion, is fair and honest election possible under supervision of current election commission or not?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2013
In 2013, nearly 1 in 2 Pakistanis believed that fair and honest election is possible under supervision of the current election commission.
Strengthens , 40%
Weakens, 43%
DK/NR, 17%
Yes, 49%
No, 38%
DK/NR, 13%
Democracy in Pakistan 26
Item 4.11: Important Factors for Democracy
Question: “In your opinion, which of the following is most important for democracy?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2013
In 2013, nearly 1 in 2 (46%) Pakistanis believed that initiations of elections rather than correction in the electoral system is the most important for democracy.
Item 4.12: Importance of Article 62 and 63
Question: “In your opinion, should election commission forbid the candidates for taking part in the elections if he/she doesn’t meet the criteria in Article # 62 and 63 of the
constitution or not?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2013
In 2013, 3 in 5 Pakistanis opined that election commission should forbid the candidates for taking part in the elections if he/she doesn’t meet the criteria in Article 62 and 63 of the constitution
Corrections in the Electoral System,
41%
Initiations of Elections, 46%
DK/NR, 13%
Should be Stopped, 60%
No, 23%
DK/NR, 17%
Democracy in Pakistan 27
Item 4.13: Elections on Same Day
Question: “In your opinion, should National Assembly Elections and Provincial Assembly elections be held on a single day or on different days?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2013
In 2013, nearly half Pakistanis (46%) opined that National Assembly Elections and Provincial Assembly elections should be held on the same day.
Item 4.14: Appointment of Interim Government
Question: “In your opinion, for how long should the interim government be appointed?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2013
In 2013, 42% Pakistanis agreed that the interim government be appointed for 3 months
Same Day, 46%
Different Day, 43%
DK/NR, 11%
For 3 months, 42%
For longer term, 13%
Till there is betterment in the
system, 13%
Till the new government, 24%
DK/NR, 8%
Democracy in Pakistan 28
Item 4.15: Political Talk Shows’ Role in Democracy
Question: “These days there are talk shows on media about current politics in which current situation of the country is discussed and politicians argue with each other. In your
opinion, is the media supporting democracy with such talk shows or is it damaging the democracy?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2012
In 2012, over 2 in 5 Pakistanis believed that political talk shows in which current situation of the country is discussed and politicians argue with one another are beneficial for democracy.
Benefitting Democracy, 41%
Damaging Democracy, 38%
DK/NR, 21%
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Section 5: Role of Army in Pakistani Democracy
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Item 5.1: Support for Democracy
Question: “Recently ISPR (the media arm of Pakistan army) said that the army supports
democracy in Pakistan as much as Pakistanis support democracy. Please tell do you personally support democracy?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2017
In 2017, almost 2 in 3 Pakistanis claimed to support democracy.
Item 5.2: Autonomy of Pakistan Army
Question: “Some people think that Pakistan Army is the real institution in Pakistan therefore Pakistan Army does not need to work under the Prime Minister. Please tell, do
you think Pakistan Army should work independently or under Prime Minister?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2017
In 2017, more than half Pakistanis opined that Pakistan Army should work independently rather than under the Prime Minister.
Yes, 63%
No, 37%
Under Prime Minister, 47%
Independently, 53%
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Item 5.3: Army’s Role in Democracy Question: “Please tell us, in the current political crisis, how positive or negative will the
army’s role be for democracy?”
Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2014
In 2014, 4 in 5 (80%) Pakistanis believed that in the current political crisis, Army’s role for democracy will be very/somewhat positive.
Very positive,
33%
Somewhat positive, 47%
Somewhat negative, 12%
Very negative, 7%
DK/NR, 1%
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Section 6: Satisfaction with Democracy in Pakistan
Democracy in Pakistan 33
Item 6.1: Satisfaction with Democracy
Question: “How satisfied are you with the way democracy is working in Pakistan — very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, not too satisfied or not at all satisfied?
(DK/NR not shown) Source: Gallup & Gilani Surveys 2018 Note: Caution should be taken while interpreting comparative data. Please read the note on Comparative Data in Methodology.
In 2018, over 1 in 2 Pakistanis were satisfied (very/somewhat) with the way democracy is working in Pakistan.
6%
42%
29%
16%18%
36% 31%
14%
Very Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied
2013 2018
Democracy in Pakistan 34
METHODOLOGY The results presented here are from multiple nationwide household surveys carried out by Gallup and Gilani over the last two decades (1999-2019).
• SAMPLE PROFILE:
The respondents in these surveys range from 1200-2000 men and women of age 18 years and above spread across the rural and urban areas of the four provinces of the country. They represent different age groups, education status and socio-economic profiles
• INTERVIEWING MODE:
Face to Face, in-house interviews
• SAMPLING METHODOLOGY:
Multi-stage area probability sampling
• SAMPLING ERROR:
The error margin is estimated to be ±2-3% at 95% Confidence level
� WEIGHTING:
The data have been weighted to correspond with census distribution of population for the rural and urban areas of all four provinces.
• SURVEY DATES:
The respective year in which these surveys were carried out has been mentioned at the bottom of all charts and tables.
• VALUES/ PERCENTAGES:
All values given in this report are percentages unless otherwise specified.
NOTE ON COMPARATIVE SECTIONS: Caution should be taken in interpreting results in comparative sections of the report. The purpose of having comparative data is to show a broad trend in the timeline rather than providing a statistical difference in opinions. This caution is based on the following major considerations:
• The exact question wordings may vary across the years where the comparison is drawn • The methodology and sample size may vary • The timeline is not uniform, we have provided data at two or more points in time as available.
DISCLAIMER This report is for Public Debate and not for strict policy measures or decisions. Gallup and Gilani do not take any responsibility for any loss or profit arising out of Public or Private use of this report or its findings.
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION The Data quoted and used in this report is the property of Gallup & Gilani Pakistan.
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