05 Aug 2014

Gallup Poll on Monday August 4 released a report summarising the African findings of their 2013 global survey of leadership ratings, which contains results for 26 sub-Saharan African countries, including Botswana.

According to the survey, 81 per cent of Batswana approved of President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama’s handling of his job as President, while 18 per cent disapproved.

The 2013 result was virtually the same as the findings of Gallup’s previous 2011 survey, which also showed a 81 per cent approval for the President with a 19 per cent disapproval.

The latest Gallup survey was conducted between 19-29 September 2013 through face to face interviews in Setswana and English with a scientific sample of 1 000. 

The survey, according to Gallup, has a potential plus or minus error of 3.9 per cent.

By age group, the poll reported that President Khama enjoyed an 83 per cent approval rating among 15-24 year-olds, 79 per cent among those aged between 25-34, 78 per cent among those aged 35-44 and 83 per cent among the 45 and over age group.

The survey further recorded that 65 per cent of Batswana had confidence in the government with 67 per cent also expressing confidence in national elections.

The survey, however, also recorded a 12 per cent drop in satisfaction with local schools from 68 per cent to 56 per cent between 2011 and 2013.

President Khama’s approval rating was the second highest among Sub-saharan African leaders following that of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita of Mali whose approval rating was 86 per cent. 

But Gallup also notes that President Keita “was in office for one month at the time of the survey.” 

The survey also excluded any data from the war torn northern region of the country.

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya came third in the survey with a 78 per cent approval rating. 

In the SADC region, President Khama is followed by President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania with a 59 per cent approval.

Gallup Poll is the division of Gallup that regularly conducts public opinion polls in over 150 countries, including its World Poll that began in 2005. 

Gallup Polls are often referenced in the mass media as a reliable and objective audience measurement public opinion. 

Gallup Poll results, analyses and videos are published daily on Gallup.com. 

Gallup Polling has measured and tracked public attitudes concerning virtually every political, social and economic issue of the day, including highly sensitive or controversial subjects. Ends