Nepalis overwhelmingly want to see peace, democracy, economic growth and national unity, a public opinion poll conducted for the US-based National Democratic Institute by AC Nielsen/ORGMARG has shown. The survey was conducted among 3,000 respondents in 60 districts.

Three-fourths viewed democracy as the best form of government for Nepal, 60 percent favoured constitutional monarchy and support for a republic was only 17 percent. Economic decline was the major concern with 55 percent concerned about the lack of jobs, 33 percent felt Maoist violence was the major concern, 22 percent were worried about education and 18 percent thought corruption was the real problem.

Even if 93 percent of the respondents felt that the country is currently headed in the wrong direction, most citizens are still optimistic that the conflict can be resolved. The survey shows an increase in approval for the performance of King Gyanendra, likely attributable to the reappointment of Deuba and the formation of a multi-party cabinet. Deuba also had broad approval with 57 percent approving of the job he is doing.

A vast majority, 85 percent, felt that political parties act only on behalf of themselves, and 43 percent thought that political parties played mostly a negative role. Eighty-two percent of citizens were strongly willing to vote and they wanted to see national and local elections. However, 72 percent believed elections cannot take place under the current environment.