A poll carried out by Penn, Schoen & Berland for El Siglo newspaper (7-11 February nationwide) shows that 65% of Dominicans are somewhat or very satisfied with the first six months of government of President Mejia. 79% of the population feels his travels abroad are beneficial for the country. Two out of every three Dominicans feel that the statesman should continue visiting the provinces to meet the people and hear their problems first hand. The survey also showed that half of all Dominicans consider that the economic situation of the country has gotten worse over the last six months, but 53% have expectations there will be an improvement this year. 32% say that their personal economic situation has improved. The El Siglo survey confirms findings of a previously released survey, the Gallup survey carried out by Rumbo Magazine (6-10 February). The Rumbo survey was carried out only in the National District (Santo Domingo). The Rumbo survey showed that 54% of Dominicans approve of the administration of President Hipolito in general terms. Interestingly, 63% of the residents in the National District (and 70% of the women) do not agree with the economic measures adopted by the government in December. For 48% of those surveyed, the government has met their expectations. This survey also showed that for 53% of those interviewed the economic situation of most of whom they know has worsened. Only for 36% have things gotten better. The survey showed that women are the most critical of the Mejia administration. Of the women interviewed, 58% said that for those around them things are getting worse, while this was true for only 49% of the men. The Rumbo survey showed that notwithstanding Dominicans are optimistic. 71% feel that the bad times will be over soon.
