IRI Myanmar Poll: Majority Feels Country Moving in Wrong Direction, Opposition to 2021 Coup, Strong Desire for Democratic Governance

Washington, DC — A new nationwide poll by the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) shows that strong majorities believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, disapprove of the 2021 coup, and support a return to democratic governance.

When asked about the direction of the country, 64% of citizens said they believe that Myanmar is moving in the wrong direction, while just 24% said it is headed in the right direction. Sixty-eight percent have negative views of the military takeover in 2021.  

“Many Myanmar citizens are upset with the direction of the country because people’s rights have been stripped and economic hardships have compounded in recent years,” said Rhonda Mays, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at IRI. “There is a belief that the economic and political situation will not improve under the military dictatorship.” 

The poll also showed a strong desire to return to democratic governance. Eighty percent of adults believe democracy is the best form of government for the country and 57% believe a new federal system with autonomy for the states and regions is the best option for a future democratic Myanmar. 

“Our data clearly demonstrates that Myanmar citizens want to live in a democracy,” said Mays. “A government that welcomes political pluralism, transparency, and accountability can successfully deliver the bright future that the people of Myanmar rightfully deserve.”

Methodology 

The survey was conducted on behalf of the International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research (CISR) by a research firm in Southeast Asia under the supervision of Redstone Scientific with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).​ Data was collected between January 17 and February 16, 2024, through Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI). ​ The sample consists of n=2,402 adults 18 years of age and older across all states and regions of Myanmar. ​The achieved sample was weighted for state/region, urbanicity, gender, age, and education based on the 2014 census.​ The overall response rate was 19 percent.​The margin of error is plus or minus 2 percentage points at the midrange with a confidence level of 95%.