Two new Colombian opinion polls have revealed contradictory figures over support for government peace talks with rebel group FARC and Juan Manuel Santos’s presidency.
The monthly poll carried out by the National Consultancy Center (CNC) between April 1 and 5 contains largely differing statistics to the new poll carried out nationwide by Datexco between April 9 and 12 and released by W radio April 15.
The most notable difference between the statistics can be seen regarding the country’s opinion of the peace process, as well as the levels of support for Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos and his government.
According to the CNC poll, 68% of Colombians are “in agreement” with the peace talks, with 32% against them.
However, according to the most recent Datexco appraisal, when asked, “Do you think the current peace talks will achieve peace?” 55.08% of Colombians said ‘No,’ with just 34.5% answering ‘Yes.’
The Datexco report also signalled that 64.14% are not in favor of how the government’s handling the guerrilla issue.
The CNC report noted a 7% rise in the popularity of President Santos from 56% to 63%, while Datexco’s statistics point to an increase of the president’s favourability from 47.31% to 48.08%.
CNC President Carlos Lemoine justified the increased backing for Santos, stating that “there has been good news concerning the peace process, which is something very positive.”
The peace talks are set to resume in Havana, Cuba this Thursday, April 18th.
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