The poll indicates deep concern about Lebanon 's political crisis. The Lebanese confessions demonstrate unity on issues related to national defense, electoral reform and national priorities, but clear confessional divisions arise on matters of constitutional integrity, causes of the political stalemate and perceptions of individual leaders and parties.

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The poll is a collaborative effort between the International Republican Institute and Statistics Lebanon Ltd., in consultation with an advisory body composed of five senior Lebanese academics; Dr. Marguerite Helou, Dr. Melhem Chaoul, Dr. Hind Soufi. Mr. Monir Abu Ghanem and Dr. Mona Fayyad.

Analysis of the data and production of this report was conducted by Williams and Associates of Salem, Massachusetts.

The questionnaire focused on issues relating to political leaders and parties, the governing March 14's initiatives coalition vs. the opposition's initiatives, the government, the parliament, current events, the proposed electoral law, and issues relating to the current political crisis in Lebanon. The sample size of 2,400 respondents was weighted by previous voting patterns of eight separate variables - sex, age, occupation, education, geographic area, social class, income and confession. Respondents were aged 18 years and older.

The questionnaire focused on issues relating to politics, the July war, the government, current events, UNIFIL, the proposed electoral law, the parliament and the role of NGO’s in Lebanon. The sample size of 2400 respondents was weighted by previous voting patterns of 8 separate variables – sex, age, occupation, education, geographic area, social class, income, and confession. Respondents were aged 18 years and above.

Although most respondents take a dim view of the current political situation, they express great hope for a better future. The Lebanese are very critical of their institutions – the government, the current electoral law, political leaders, political parties, and government ministries – specifically their performance on security, economic, and political matters. There is a high degree of cynicism across confessional and geographic lines about the people and institutions that exert influence in their country. Despite this negativity, the Lebanese still maintain a high degree of nationalism, believe strongly in voting and the democratic process, appreciate the need for reform and express some expectation that the current political situation will improve in the future. Where relevant, comparisons are made with a poll conducted in July 2006 in which similar questions were asked.

The questionnaire, conducted just prior to the outbreak of war between Hezbollah and Israel, focused on public perceptions of the Lebanese national identity, voting, and democratic institutions. The sample size was 2400 respondents with geographic distribution across the country in urban and rural areas. Respondents were aged 18 years and above.

Attitudes of the Lebanese people prior to the July 2006 conflict in Lebanon reflect a high degree of nationalism, a desire to improve the electoral law and the voting process, a reaffirmation of the Taif Accord, and a strong appreciation for democracy and its institutions.