Election, parties

In late April, a half of the electorate was determined which party to vote for, whereas roughly a quarter admitted they might change their mind. 17% said they were unlikely to vote and almost a tenth does not know. Compared to the last survey, conducted in late March and early April, the percentage of the decided voters increased by 6 points, while the number of the undecided decreased.

In the opinion of about 40% of respondents, the KSCM continues to be the most unacceptable party for our citizens. A fifth up to a fourth would never vote the ODS. The SPR-RSC is considered unacceptable by roughly a tenth of respondents.

The public is of the opinion that the ODS and the CSSD are two undisputed champions in the election, with the former being closer to victory. Somewhat fewer respondents believed in the success of the Coalition. It is widely believed that the election will not result in a change in the current state of affairs.

During 22 – 29 April 2002, the Public Opinion Research Centre conducted a regular monthly survey of what the Czech public thinks. This was part of the ‘Our society 2002’ survey and the respondents were selected on a quota basis. A total of 953 persons eligible to vote expressed their opinions on party preferences.

Data show that the CSSD makes the best impression. It is most frequently perceived as a party that is trustworthy (40%) and beneficial to the country (45%), and less frequently as a party that is only interested in coming to power (57%). Almost a third of those polled hold the view that the ODS and the KDU-CSL are trustworthy and beneficial to the country. They, however, disagree on the third...

Data show that the CSSD makes the best impression. It is most frequently perceived as a party that is trustworthy (40%) and beneficial to the country (45%), and less frequently as a party that is only interested in coming to power (57%). Almost a third of those polled hold the view that the ODS and the KDU-CSL are trustworthy and beneficial to the country. They, however, disagree on the third statement that ‘the party is only interested in coming to power’.

In late March and early April, 70% of those surveyed having the right to vote would participate in the June election. 44% of voters are clearly determined whom to vote for, 23% may still change their mind and 18% have not decided yet whom to support.

Our citizens perceive the KSCM as the most unacceptable party (39%). A fourth would never vote for the ODS, while a tenth would never vote for the SPR-RSC.

60% of respondents read at least sometimes about politics in newspapers (a total of ‘often’ and ‘sometimes’ answers), whereas 11% do not. At least a half of respondents at least sometimes discuss politics with friends but 74% of those polled never persuade their friends to adopt the same opinion. Almost 80% of respondents get ‘hardly ever’ or ‘never’ involved in solving public problems.

No major sociodemographic differences occurred in respect of CSSD supporters (22%), except a higher percentage of white-collar employees. The ODS (20%) is attractive primarily for respondents with good living standards and voters with university or full secondary education. The party also occupies a strong position among businessmen and tradesmen, white-collar employees, intellectual workers and among Prague inhabitants.