MANY Filipinos who cast their votes last Monday say they chose their candidate for president based on the candidate’s platform (45 percent) and personality (46 percent), according to the exit poll done by the Social Weather Stations.
In fact, more than half had already decided whom to vote in earlier or February, the survey which polled 35,825 voters found. Fourteen percent said, however, they made their decision only on election day.
Voters appeared more upbeat than pessimistic about the new government and what’s in store for them in the next 12 months. The quality of governance will be better under the next administration, said 57 percent of voters. About half also said the quality of life will be better (49 percent) and the economy will improve (52 percent) in the next 12 months.
One in two voters also found voting easier this time, although almost 31 percent said it was more difficult.
For the first time, SWS conducted the exit poll 50 meters away from polling centers instead of in the homes of a random sample as it had done in previous elections. This enabled interviews to be done throughout the day, a practice in developed countries, according to the research organization.
SWS also conducted the exit poll with its regular staff and a special complement of direct hires. It used to outsource its field and data processing operations until the middle of 2004.