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U.S. firm to conduct exit-poll in Azerbaijanâ€™s presidential elections publicizes results of pre-election survey

24 September 2013 13:54 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Shamil Alibeyli – APA. The U.S. firm Arthur J. Finkelstein & Associates (AJF), which will conduct an exit-poll in Azerbaijan’s presidential elections on October 9 at the request of APA Holding LLC, has conducted a pre-election survey.

According to the results of a survey, President Ilham Aliyev enjoys the overwhelming support of Azerbaijanis, just two weeks ahead of Presidential elections in the country. The national pre-election survey of voters showed an 86 per cent approval rating for Aliyev. Among those who said they always vote, that number rises to a staggering 90.5 per cent.

“We are confident of the accuracy of this data,” George Birnbaum, Executive Director of Arthur J. Finkelstein told APA.

“The President’s popularity is not only due to Azerbaijan’s high-growth economy – which the clear majority feel has and is improving – but also his strong leadership,” said Birnbaum.

“Qualitative and quantitative research shows that Azerbaijan’s security and domestic issues are among the top priorities among voters, which is reflected in the large support for Aliyev. Voters believe he is taking the country forward and will continue to protect it,” Birnbaum said.

Some 87 per cent said they believe Aliyev has safeguarded the country against acts of terrorism, and 82 per cent said he has protected Azerbaijan against Armenian aggression.

The Armenian occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding provinces – which has resulted in over a million displaced Azerbaijanis – remains a hot-button issue for voters. Despite resolutions by the United Nations, European Union and other international bodies, describing it a violation of international law, Armenia has refused to end the occupation.

The ratings of opposition candidates are very low. Jamil Hasanli, considered the most prominent opponent, has only 10.5 per cent of voters favourable to him.

“There is a very real correlation between how voters view the President’s performance, the resolute support for him on a personal level, and the fact that the opposition has not put up a candidate that is able to excite the people,” Birnbaum said.

The survey of 1,000 likely voters was conducted in late August and early September in collaboration with the local research firm Tarragi – Institute for Progress. The margin of error is +/- 2.77 per cent.

The U.S. firm Arthur J. Finkelstein & Associates (AJF) will conduct an exit-poll in Azerbaijan’s presidential elections on October 9.

The company has been invited to Azerbaijan by its media partner APA Holding. The parties have signed a cooperation agreement in this regard.

According to the agreement, AJF will conduct an exit-poll on the election day at the request of and in the partnership with APA Information Agency, it will also conduct polls and make necessary recommendations during the election campaign.

AJF is an influential company operating in the United States. This company renders services like exit-poll, opinion polls, analysis, media strategy and image tips. The company consulted, conducted surveys, and prepared strategies in various political campaigns in the United States, Canada, Israel and Eastern Europe during 40 years.