New figures confirm that security is the main concern for the people of Nagorno Karabakh, and that combined support for independence or unification with Armenia has grown from 91.7% in 2015 to 95.1% in 2016.
Hovhannes Grigoryan, CEO of the Institute for Political and Sociological Consulting (IPSC), presented the results of a new opinion poll on socio-economic developments, public perceptions of foreign affairs, international recognition, and Nagorno Karabakh conflict resolution.
The poll was conducted in July 2016 (shortly after the Four-Day War) and involved 1,081 people in Stepanakert and the 7 regions of Karabakh, and cross-referenced with a similar survey conducted in March 2015.
The figures show an increase in the number of people who believe Karabakh should be independent, compared to those who prefer it become a part of Armenia. An even more significant trend was observed among the younger and the educated, who support independence in a much higher proportion (61.2% of population between 18 and 30 years and 53.6% of the university-educated support independence).
Furthermore, public’s approval of Government’s performance in the sectors of Defence and Foreign Affairs has decreased, while the perception that Karabakh is on the right track is still considerably high at 78.9% percent.
The issue of peace and security remains the predominant concern for half of the people of Karabakh, followed by unemployment and international recognition of the Republic. Despite these concerns, declared intentions for migration remain at a very low level.