Peeping Tom right on Opinion Polls & Oil

Sep 06, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Peeping Tom is spot on in his commentary on opinion polls (KN Sept 4).
I read newspapers in Trinidad almost daily, and as such, am au fait with the political situation there. I myself have been routinely conducting opinion surveys (every few months) since 1995. Guyana needs to institutionalize polls as is the case in Trinidad and Tobago. Views on the oil contracts would be welcomed.
The peeper is right that the polls in Trinidad conducted last July and August showed the ruling PNM will retain power if elections are held soon. The peeper is also correct in (his) conclusion that a large majority of voters are disenchanted with the PNM, but the opposition is not viewed as an attractive alternative.
As a recent survey noted, the UNC’s leadership is surrounded by useless chamchas (sycophants and cheerleaders) who only praise the leader. They are the kind who would tell a leader they milked the bull and got two gallons milk daily. So the PNM will win re-election by default. If, however, the UNC were to re-organize and recruit credible individuals, it would give the PNM a run for its money. But such re-organization is not contemplated. Elections are due a year from now.
The peeper made reference to the poll recently conducted in Guyana by TRPI that described the popularity of various PPP politicians. The poll was attacked because people don’t like the findings. Whenever a poll shows a party or person in bad light, it is condemned and when the findings show a person in good standing the poll is praised.
It is understandable if PNC (APNU) praised the TRPI poll while some in the PPP attacked the poll. That is the nature of findings of opinion polls in third world societies like Guyana. Developed countries welcome polls because they help candidates or government to address weaknesses in order to build support. In Guyana, polls are attacked because people don’t want to know truths.
The findings of surveys should not be dismissed. They should be welcomed. Short of elections or referendums, polls are the only way to gauge opinions of the public on various issues and how they will vote. Political parties should use them to guide public policy and candidate selection. I also conducted surveys in early July and early August for NACTA. I have no reason to question the authenticity of the TRPI poll.
We need opinion surveys on government policy and on varied matters. For example, should elections be held soon? Which party will win the elections? Which candidate has the highest favourable ratings? Do the public support the contract (and deals) with Exxon and Tullow? Should the contracts be renegotiated? And yes, does the public support the pardoning of criminals?
Yours truly,
Dr. Vishnu Bisram

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