2006 Latinobarometro Poll Results

Venezuelans Value Democracy more than all other Latin Americans

The 2006 poll, carried out by the Chilean polling firm Latinobarometro and based on 20,000 face-to-face interviews in 18 Latin American countries, found that Venezuelans tend to be far more optimistic about their economy than other nations, participate more in the political process, and are more likely than most other Latin Americans to be happy with the direction their country is headed.

Latinobarometro, has conducted similar country-by-country surveys for the past decade. You can access the full report at www.latinobarometro.org

Below are the 2006 highlights for Venezuela:

Democracy

Ø Venezuelans are far more likely than most other nationalities in the region to say that their country is “totally democratic.” On a scale of one to ten, Venezuelans rate their country a solid seven. US allies in the region fare far worse by their own electorate: Colombians give their country a 5.9, and Salvadorans rate 4.8 on the democracy meter. [Figure 1].

Ø Venezuelans tie for first place when asked whether democracy is the best form of government. Along with Uruguayans, a full 89% of the country support democracy. Only 60% of Salvadorans, and 54% of Paraguayans share their enthusiasm [Figure 2].

Ø Support for democracy has dramatically increased during the Chavez administration. Back in ’96 and ’97 only thirty-five percent of Venezuelans were satisfied with their democracy. Today, that number is in the high fifties—the second highest in Latin America. [Figure 3].

Economy

Ø Venezuelans are far more likely than any other Latinos to rank their country’s economy as “good” or “very good;” [Figure 4].

Ø They top the list when asked if the country’s economy is better today than one year ago; [Figure 5].

Ø They also top the list when asked whether their personal finances are better today than last year; [Figure 6].

Ø Venezuelans are more optimistic about the economic outlook in the year ahead than any other country in the region; [Figure 7].

Ø They are less likely than most Latinos to worry about unemployment, [Figure 8] and are far less likely than any other country in the region to blame unemployment on “inadequate government policies;” [Figure 9].

Politics and Participation

Ø Venezuelans and Uruguayans top the list for citizens who believe that voting is “the most effective way to influence change”; [Figure 10].

Ø Are more likely than any other nationality to talk about politics with friends; [Figure 11] and

Ø Are more likely to work for a “candidate or political party,” [Figure 12].