From: Middle East Update To: Middle East Update Subject: New IPI Egypt Poll Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:21:12 +0000 Attachments: IPI_Egypt_Poll_June_2011.pdf Inline-Images: image001.jpg IPI ERNATIONAL PtACE INSTITUTE NEW IPI EGYPT POLL: OPTIMISM DOWN BUT ESTABLISHED POLITICIANS, PARTIES STILL LEAD NEW YORK, June 20, 2011 — The International Peace Institute (IPI) released today a new poll on public attitudes in Egypt (see attached), which finds that half the population now thinks the country is headed in the right direction, sharply down from 82% in March. Concern about the economy, disorder, and crime has risen substantially since then. 'The poll shows that Egyptians remain hopeful about their future, but optimism is waning as economic and security concerns mount during the transition period," said Terje Rod-Larsen, President of IPI. "In this context of uncertainty, the poll also illustrates a preference for candidates and parties with a longtime presence in Egyptian politics" he added. As the country heads towards democratic elections, former Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa remains front runner for the November presidential election with 32% of voting intentions. If they run, sitting Prime Minister Essam Sharaf would place second at 16% and Marshall Mohammad Tantawi third at 8%. Opposition leaders Mohammad El Baradei and Ayman Nour get just 2% and 3% of vote intentions respectively. However, competition is likely to increase as presidential campaigns pick up momentum over the summer The two best known and oldest parties — the secular, liberal Wafd and the Islamist, Muslim Brotherhood — still lead in the race for Egypt's parliament, the People's Assembly. The Wafd is favorably viewed by 40% and the Muslim Brotherhood's by 31%. The New National Party, successor to former president Hosni Mubarak's National Democratic Party, surprises with 20% favorable. However, the poll's results indicate that most of the older parties are losing vo