Times of India : Gen's popularity plunges to its lowest-ever level

Gen's popularity plunges to its lowest-ever level

October 13, 2007

ISLAMABAD: Public support for Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf’s has plunged to its lowest since he became the president, according to the International Republican Institute (IRI) poll results.

Musharraf’s popularity has come down to 21% in 2007 from 63% in September 2006, the poll results revealed.

In the best Pakistani leader category, Musharraf has fallen behind ex-PMs Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, says the IRI’s fifth poll conducted between August 29 and September 13.“The percentage of voters saying Musharraf should resign from the army has increased to 70%,” the poll said.

In June 2007, Musharraf won 34% approval for his seven-point development agenda, but the situation has changed now with 76% saying that he should doff his uniform. According to poll, 76% of the respondents said that Musharraf has failed to stabilise the country.

Sharif, who was deported to Jeddah after his homecoming last month, outshone Benazir and Musharraf in the best leader category with 36 percent of respondents voting for him. Benazir got 28% of the votes in the best leader category. The poll showed Nawaz’s rating at 53% three points up from the June 2007 poll.