18 Dec 2003

New Fiji poll shows rise in PMs approval rating

11:54 am on 18 December 2003

A Tebbutt-Fiji Times poll shows that the Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase's approval rating has risen to 61 percent.

The best ever approval rating since measurements began went to the labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, who won 62 percent support from all races when he was prime minister in November 1999.

Mr Qarase is the most approved prime minister among indigenous Fijians since the Tebbut-Fiji Times poll began in 1992.

His approval rating among ethnic Indians has also increased to 43 percent but 23 percent still disapprove of Mr Qarase.

The Opposition leader, Mick Beddoes, has an approval rating of 55 percent in his role.

Mr Chaudhry enjoys 49 percent support among all races but this rises to 63 percent among ethnic Indians.

But while 33 percent of indigenous Fijians approve of Mr Chaudhry, 39 percent disapprove.

Mr Chaudhry is quoted as saying that something is wrong with the poll results and they should not be taken seriously.

Mr Qarase says he is pleased with the poll results, adding that they show the people welcome his government's policies.