The latest North American Caribbean Teachers Association (Nacta) tracking opinion poll has found widespread disaffection with the performance of incumbent MPs, with voters saying they want most MPs replaced for the next general election.
This comes one day after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced September 7 as the date for the 2015 general election.
Yesterday, Nacta, in a media release on its ongoing tracking poll, said, “Over half the voters say they have not seen their MPs since the May 2010 general election and too many voters say they will not cast ballots if their MPs are given the nod to re-contest the next election raising the specter (for) the election of a low turnout because of the large disaffection with both major parties and the MPs.”
The poll, conducted by Dr Vishnu Bisram, surveyed some 2,400 voters over the last couple of months on current issues, perceptions, priority concerns, servicing of constituents by MPs, approval rating of Government and national office holders, voting behaviour and preferences concerning the upcoming elections, and attitudes towards the current economic situation and quality of life. The poll, according to the release, found very low approval ratings for the Parliament with voters blaming both the Government and Opposition for not finding common ground in addressing the nation’s business, especially in crime fighting and economic matters.
People are almost evenly split on their feelings about whether the country is moving in the right or wrong direction depending on party affiliation. “However, over half the voters describe an upward trend in their personal economic fortunes over the last five years. Crime and rising cost of living top the public’s list of priorities that urgently need to be addressed followed by unemployment, housing, health, and corruption,” the release said.
“People are disinclined to trust their elected representatives with few voters expressing confidence in them.” Parliament received an approval rating of only 13 per cent with a majority also dissatisfied with the performance of the Speaker.
“The Prime Minister and Opposition Leader enjoy relatively high approval ratings with the former slightly above and the latter just under the 50 per cent mark—critical for electoral purposes. However, the attitude of constituents toward their MPs is not endearing. A large majority say their MPs went missing for five years, but did note that in recent months their MPs have made their presence known,” the release stated.
According to Nacta, “some three quarters of the nation report dissatisfaction with the performance and or the behaviour of their MPs. Voters describe many of them as too arrogant and unfit for office and would prefer not to see them again on the campaign trail. Some of the MPs (including some serving as ministers of government) receive single digit favourability ratings—inexplicable how an MP with unlimited access to resources as a minister cannot service or find time to meet with constituents.”
Among those with the lowest ratings were MPs for Pointe-A-Pierre, Mayaro, St Augustine, D’Abadie/O’Meara, Cumuto, San Fernando West, Tunapuna, Barataria, Sangre Grande, Arima, Laventille East and West. Among those with the highest ratings were MPs for Siparia, La Horquetta/Talparo, Oropouche East and West, Couva North and South, Caroni East and Central, Chaguanas West, Diego Martin Northeast, Central and West, St Joseph, Fyzabad, Moruga, and Tabaquite.
However, although some MPs receive relatively high favourability ratings, voters feel they should not be renominated to contest a seat because of “character flaws.” “Voters in Diego Central are disappointed that Dr Amery Browne will not be up for re-election viewing him as ‘a shoo in’.