Which Political Figure Do Citizens Trust the Most? IRI Survey

The International Republican Institute (IRI) has conducted a public opinion survey in Armenia. The surveys were carried out across the country from December 13 to 22, 2023, using a telephone interview method. A total of 1,508 citizens aged 18 and over participated in the survey.

When asked whether Armenia is currently moving in the right or wrong direction, 50% of respondents answered 'right,' 39% said 'wrong,' while 12% found it difficult to respond.

Regarding current issues in Armenia, respondents highlighted national security and border issues as the most pressing concerns. The second most frequently mentioned issue was unemployment, followed by political instability.

According to the survey, Armenian citizens place the most trust in political or public figures, with Nikol Pashinyan leading at 17%, followed by Ararat Mirzoyan with 5%, and Aram Sargsyan with 4%. They are followed by Alen Simonyan (3%) and Robert Kocharian (2%). A significant 60% of respondents expressed that they do not trust any political figure.

If parliamentary elections were held next Sunday, 17% of respondents stated they would vote for the 'Civil Contract' party, 3% for 'Nikol Pashinyan's party,' and 3% for the 'My Step' alliance. An additional 3% would vote for the 'Armenia' alliance, 2% for the Republican Party of Armenia, and 2% for 'Prosperous Armenia,' with the same percentage for Vardan Ghukasyan's (Dog) 'Public Voice' party.

Moreover, 48% of citizens see the need for new political parties, while 47% believe that existing parties are sufficient.