December 26, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Haiti are concerned about jobs, according to a poll by the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians and The Democracy Group. 81 per cent of respondents believe unemployment is the most critical problem in their country right now.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Haiti are concerned about jobs, according to a poll by the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians and The Democracy Group. 81 per cent of respondents believe unemployment is the most critical problem in their country right now.

Haiti is presently Latin America's poorest country, and has been politically unstable for the past two years. In February 2004, Haitian president Jean Bertrand Aristide fled the country, pressed by a violent armed uprising against him led by Guy Philippe and the rebel troops of the National Resistance Front for the Liberation of Haiti.

Aristide later claimed he was "kidnapped" by the U.S. In March 2004, the U.S. supported a provisional government led by interim president Boniface Alexandre and interim prime minister Gérard Latortue. 51 per cent of respondents support Aristide's return to Haiti.

The presidential and legislative election in Haiti is scheduled for Jan. 8, 2006, with a run-off—if required—on Feb. 15. The contenders include former head of state René Preval, Haitian-born American businessman Dumarsais Simeusis, former president Leslie Manigat, former Port-au-Prince mayor Evans Paul, Serge Gilles of the Fusion Party, former prime minister Marc Bazin, and former rebel commander Philippe.

Polling Data

Percentage who believe unemployment is the most critical problem	81%
Percentage who support the return of Jean-Bertrand Aristide to Haiti	51%

Source: National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians / The Democracy Group
Methodology: Interviews with 703 registered Haitian voters, conducted from Nov. 6 to Nov. 16, 2005. Margin of error is 3.7 per cent.