June 01, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Jun. 1, 2003 - President Francisco Flores is losing support in El Salvador, according to a poll by Rivera Research. 72 per cent of respondents disapprove of Flores, less than a year away from the next presidential election in the country.

(CPOD) Jun. 1, 2003 - President Francisco Flores is losing support in El Salvador, according to a poll by Rivera Research. 72 per cent of respondents disapprove of Flores, less than a year away from the next presidential election in the country.

Flores was elected with 51.4 per cent of the vote in 1999, but has been severely criticized for acting slowly after doctors and health care workers went on strike late last year.

When respondents were asked to assess the last three governments of the ruling conservative Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA), Flores came in third with 14.5 per cent. ARENA is expected to wage a tough battle with the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN)—a party assembled by former guerrilla leaders—in next year's presidential election.

Polling Data

Do you approve of president Francisco Flores' performance?

Yes	14%
No	72%

Which of the governments of the ruling Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) has been the best for the country?

Alfredo Cristiani (1989-1994)	28.8%
Armando Calderón Sol (1994-1999)	15.8%
Francisco Flores (1999-2004)	14.5%

Source: Rivera Research
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 800 Salvadorian adults in each of the country's 14 states, conducted from May 20 to May 22, 2003. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.