March 26, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Mar. 26, 2003 - Mexicans overwhelmingly support their government's decision to stay out of the Iraqi conflict, according to a poll by newspaper Reforma. 82 per cent of respondents say they agree with head of state Vicente Fox, who assured the country it would not participate in any coalition to disarm Iraq.

(CPOD) Mar. 26, 2003 - Mexicans overwhelmingly support their government's decision to stay out of the Iraqi conflict, according to a poll by newspaper Reforma. 82 per cent of respondents say they agree with head of state Vicente Fox, who assured the country it would not participate in any coalition to disarm Iraq.

The numbers are good news for Fox, who has faced tough economic times as his proposals stall in the Mexican Congress. 47 per cent of respondents say political support for the president will grow because of his stance on Iraq. As far as personal views are concerned, less than 10 per cent of respondents support the military campaign, while 54 per cent reject it.

Still, Mexicans are wary of economic consequences for their country's refusal to enter the war. 85 per cent of respondents say the country may suffer economic turmoil for not standing side-by-side with the United States and Britain.

Polling Data

Do you agree with the Mexican government's decision to stay out of the Iraqi conflict?

Yes	82%
No	32%

Will political support in Mexico for president Fox grow because of this decision?

Yes	47%
No	32%

Will Mexico's refusal to back the war bring economic turmoil?

Yes	85%
No	11%

Which of these positions best reflects your own regarding the war?

I object to the military campaign by the United States	54%
I do not have enough information on the subject	35%
I support the military campaign by the United States	8%

Source: Reforma.
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 511 Mexican adults, conducted from Mar. 15 to Mar. 18, 2003. Margin of error is 4.3 per cent.