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AZG DAILY #29, 15-02-2008

INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR OF BRITISH "POPULUS" ANDREW COOPER

Interview by Armen Manvelian, translated by L.H.

The poll results of the British famous "Populus" and their publication caused different explanations and doubts. In order to dispel doubts "Azg" daily met with the Director of "Populus" Andrew Cooper who answered our questions with pleasure.

"Azg" daily – "Populus" cooperated with Armenian Sociologists Association to conduct the polls in Armenia. Why do you especially cooperate with that organization, and do you trust in it?

Mr. Cooper – We define the methodologies, the questions. The poll conducted Armenian Sociologists Association (ASA). We conducted independent checks. After the people were interviewed, we telephoned some of them and they said what the ASA reported. The ASA polled for us a year ago before Parliamentary Elections, which was very accurate. We have no reason to doubt them.

Azg" daily – As we know, you are going to conduct another poll and an Exit poll as well.

Mr. Cooper – Yes, we are going to conduct two other polls – a poll straight of the election and an Exit poll, by request of Armenian Public TV.

"Azg" daily – How much was the poll controlled by your organization, especially in the provinces?

Mr. Cooper – Our control was due to proportion of the interviews and the proportion of the people interviewed. We checked up all randomly from England to be sure if the reports of ASA correspond to reality. There is no reason to doubt that these polling methods work; for example, the results of the poll of RA parliamentary elections last year.

Azg" daily – Analyzing the results of the poll what do you think will the elections have one or in any case two rounds?

Mr. Cooper – We can’t say for sure. According to our results, Serge Sargsian will get between 48 and 53 percent. It means that if he gets under 50 percent there will be a second round. However, polls can’t be more accurate as about 15 percent of the questioned said they probably would vote but they didn’t know who they would vote for.

Azg" daily – As we know, you conduct similar polls in other countries, too. Did you face mistrust in other countries as well?

Mr. Cooper – Yes, we faced it in every country we polled. Anyway, we don’t have interests in Armenian elections. We have a high reputation and we are not going to risk it.

Azg" daily – They say people are afraid of expressing their opinions in Armenia. Did you face that kind of problem?

Mr. Cooper – Some people everywhere don’t like to say what they really think. 10 percent of the questioned in Armenia didn’t want to answer any question. It’s normal.

Azg" daily – Thank you for interview, Mr. Cooper.

Mr. Cooper – Thank you, too.