Opinion Polls Refer to the Collection of Peoples Views - Essay Example

OPINION POLLS ANALYSIS INTRODUCTION. Opinion polls refer to the collection of people's views on a given that directly affects them or is relative to their surrounding. The topics involve current issues, famous people, or a particular event that is featuring in both local and international headlines. The survey is usually conducted to get opinions for and against the subject and a final report is presented. It can be done in the unfolding of the issue or in bits of a given period of time. Ways in which the views are collected include: short message service, phone-ins, voting via the internet, questionnaire and interviews. Findings are then tabled, presented or read out to the public so that they know how the whole initiative was received. (Word web online, 2008). MAIN CONTENT. Recently, media companies have also included opinion poll in their prime time bulletins where a sample of the views given out is read and the percentage of the voting shown. The power of these polls can not be taken lightly since they have in many occasions reflected their contributions in decisions made concerning different matters. There are allegations that the results from the polls sometimes do not reveal the reality. The evidence against them is usually demonstrated by parties who see it as being more critical than considerate. These claims go further to indicate that the views presented were in fact not randomly sampled. The argument whether opinion polls should be done away with or the question of their importance in elections needs to be tackled carefully. Opinion polls in last elections would have caused a stir of mixed reactions just incase the final vote outcome went otherwise. Many people were keeping an eye on them, unrest was most likely to occur then. Liberal Democrats polls indicate that the party is not fairing badly. Its members applause the fact, saying its been a tradition. Recently, polls stood at almost fifty percent before fluctuating. Liberal is blaming conservative for allegedly fixing the election. Members of conservative were denied democratic rights of voting for sitting MEPs contrary to their style where all members cast the ballot in the same box. (Liberal Democrat Voice, 2008). The Liberal Democrat Opinion has strongly come out against its opponent criticizing them of failure to deliver their promises. Among the issues given the priority include economic recovery, crude oil and its products ever rising prices and the main contest, the ability to retrieve British troops in Iraq and other countries in the Middle East. The two closely competing parties that are conservatives and labour have had fierce battles against each other with the aim of finally being the torch bearer. Elsewhere Labour party continues to give the government headaches, laxity in the judicial system and the controversy in the Home office. There are claims that the government has no clear intention for its citizens. The working force too is clogged with inefficiency, malice among other failures. Opinion polls carried out recently indicate that the voters feel the same way about the order of the day. There have been calls for Blair to resign but he would not just yet. A lot of interest has been shown by people who closely monitor the activities of the polls. As a result, mixed reactions come up due to different personal views. There are groups who back them totally while others are so against them. Another lot lies neutral but with their recommendations on how these opinion polls can be made better. On rare occasions though people have agreed on poll results only to differ completely when maters they have a hand get voted against. Polls have it that a third of supporters are now backing the Liberal Democrats rather than the two other parties that is, the Conservative and Labour. In the wake of general elections, polls come in handy and indeed offer statistics about a feel of the real thing on the ground. Labour has taken advantage and taken the priority to ensure Britain's effect globally is still felt. Key roles include tackling poverty, democracy and good governance. Polls are proving to be good, morale boosters incase where they indicate positive results. Labour is currently the most favored party due to its closeness to the people. It is not right when activists work hard but are never awarded. Labour gave Tony Blair his last electoral test, and indeed he succumbed to it. In fact in a populous poll carried out at that time, speculations well, turned into reality. Blair was leaving office as prime minister after ten years due to the mounting pressure on him to resign or better still quit. Although labour sunk in a poll to levels experienced in the eighty's they have a bounce back and are picking up very fast in recent opinion polls. Blair's techniques might have come to an end earlier than he had speculated in the last general elections most likely, survey tells. When he was first elected, his primary mission was to make new Labour. Priority issues at the time were making the government more people oriented. Among incentives aimed included the reassurance of middle and lower class support financially, economically and also in terms of human rights. When Blair lost prime ministership, people expected a lot and as we know our leaders, they always blame insufficient time when such expectations are not achieved. Labour is enjoying success in massive and different polls where leads are perfectly doing it for them. As a result Mr. Brown is accumulating fame and acceptance as the Tories get hardly hit. There are speculations that elections might as well come early. The statement is clearing earlier sentiments that there was no possibility for them soon or in the year. On yet another opinion poll recently, Labour is facing criticism based on brokenness to financial incapability and instability, indebt ness, less attraction for donations a reason key to a country's economical growth. Officials at the heart of Labour in defense say believe that those interviewed are basically against them. Other discrepancies go on to cite weak political machinery in most parts of the country. There are claims that they were unable to contest for seats in the local elections. Labour has suggested a twenty hour security to help check the ever increasing number of immigrants. This time around, their plan seems to working just right hence the poll almost fifty percentage reading. There is the urge to beef up security since its deterioration on September 11. Terrorism and flow of illegal weapons are mandatory subjects that need to be addressed. Labour thinks it has it all and what lack is the chance to prove they can indeed handle business and in turn cause a growth in the economy. Doubt in the opinion polls over labour trailing and the shifting of the result is questionable. Some people are wondering where the sampling is done. Labour and Liberals should re-launch their manifestos and the way they are handling relations. A disadvantage over these polls is their ability to mislead people. Poll results can be altered to reflect a whole new image. A person with an interest can chip in bribes to paint a picture that is in his support. Intimidation has also been applied and the person concerned even threatened with death. On the contrary, opinions and views presented on the newspapers, television, radio or the internet could be lies since the evidence is not available. Many people would feel cheated if they knew what the working conditions were. Basing the verdict on such a case then a vote against the polls and the whole idea would do justice to the public. There is a fact that needs to be approved of, the fact that the polls can never at one point be supportive to both sides of an issue. It is therefore effortless trying to fight the figures tabled by an opinion polls firm. Education on the roles played by the initiative ought to be taught. The conservative leader Cameron has a big lead over Gordon Brown. The reason given for the polls indicating so is that, he has a close relationship with the ordinary people, and so they feel he is the right candidate since he understands their plights and needs from a personal point of view. The administration is in criticism due to people claim as bad governance and their involvement in the Iraq war. The heat is not yet cool as polls too indicate that the battle is open with other several candidates up against Gordon. Conservative party can handle the economy better rather than the Labour is a common view in the political capability ranking. Polls show that conservatives seem to loose in Labour strong hold and vice versa only that labour has an advantage in their grounds. It's said that labour has a higher chance of wining general elections this time. (Telegraph, 2008). Although polls suggest that conservatives are still topping, survey has it that its leader and torch bearer Cameron is not very common amongst the local fraternity of British voters. Conservatives are hence forced to face the fact that he has is not yet had his breakthrough in the political atmosphere in the coming general elections. Opinion polls show mistrust in a large number of candidates in all the parties in their ability to deliver their political promises. Another issue causing the party headaches is the Labour stability in three polls with almost half over the total panel percentage. Critics claim that the results are affected by Mr. Brown's speech over the uncertainty of the election. Conservatives have hit the highest poll lead in years, according to YouGov, a poll by the Telegraph and the Sunday Mail. There has arisen debate over the legalization of cannabis and the immigrants' policy. Labour has sabotaged every effort by the Tories. An accusation against their large number is killing British citizens. Immigrants in search of asylum from wars in different parts of the world have created a low salary port in Britain. Conservatives insist that the number already in is more than enough and no others will be allowed. (AFP, 2008). Conservatives are believed to have taken everything by storm. A majority has it they have the media and it seems like electorate is either bought or bribed. The election row is stirring heat on the political field with all the parties trying their best to reflect good accounts on the polls. Being part of and element in elections, maneuvers have a centre stage and people do not necessarily depend on them or at times believe what they present as their findings. More people hope that Brown loses hit seat in favor of at lest another person for a change. Citizens support that their government has gone wrong so many times and on many issues that required candid decisions (AFP, 2008). Time is changing views, opinions, perspectives and beliefs of people in matters of public interest and human rights. Questions are being asked concerning why the new generation should vote for parties that their fore kin put to power before. Polls insist that it is not the party but the leadership that need a shuffle or even a change. A different array of views regarding Brown's action is on the limelight is already posted in several polls throughout the country. They say his party through him is determined to bring the new changes like it is as usually for every politician. Polls are really essential in times of elections even to their prior. In the same channel, a slight difference though is being noticed. That there are signs to demolish the Tories. It is allegedly put that he is hiding proposals and policies and openly revealing his vengeance by announcing high profile changes like reviewing of casinos, the legalization of cannabis related applications, and lifting of detention. These are creating holes in the political constituent which is spoiling their game plan. Though supporters still believe in the conservatives, a number of recommendations have been suggested. The need to strategize on a different approach that will grow trust from the people. The policies in the manifesto also have to be re-visited to fit in the first priority bracket. Polls warn of stiff competition from Labour party. The role played by these opinions is not to be taken lightly. Still, quite a good number feel that the results are not always reflecting the reality. One man confesses that he once came across a polls firm top official and was asked what figures he expected. To his shock, they hit the headlines. To such a person, polls have no importance, citing development in technology; it cost a dial to alter the outcome of a poll to what suites one. (The Press Association, 2008). A lot needs to be done to protect and ensure that polls are not manipulated. This will as a result reflect the actual opinions of the country. Using examples from other countries where violence has resulted over their row, more caution is hence demanded in their handling. Just the other year, an African role model went up in arms over they termed as unfair ballot results. They were comparing the final outcome with the consecutive polls and to their dissatisfaction no truth seemed to appear in the whole scenario. It is also common to find warring sides over who toppled who in the polls. If such activities are not carried out professionally, they can stir trouble and as a matter fact destabilize Britain. Their connection with general elections is something that should lead to a better establishment of their procedures and rules. Majorities think they are all useless and should be banned because according to their investigations they are fraudulently masterminded to please a few people and full the big lot. Opinion polls are increasing being used by women in Britain to air their views. Since the atmosphere does not favor or give them a platform, they actively participate in polls of their choice which seem to highlight issues that are touching them. Their favorite parties get to enjoy addition vote confidence whether Conservative, Liberal Democrats, or Labour. Even though a number of people say that polls sometimes do not give the real situation and so, they need to be done away with, the roles they play sustains their importance. Hence, I support that they should not be banned, either in the run-up, during or even after the elections. It is these polls that show just how bad, fairly, or brilliant a party is performing and in turn revise their strategies to suit in the run. It is true to say that yes, they do affect the voting as people tend to shift their preferences towards the winning wing. Oftenly, the polls in Britain have been disappointing but in 2005 they were almost right. The results were reflective of polls in a way, Labour emerged winners with 356 seats and a count of 9,566,618 second was Conservative which attained 198 seats with a total of 8,785,941 votes followed by Liberal Democrat with 62 seats and 5,985,414 votes. Fourth was DUP with 9 seats, 241,856 votes and then SNP closed in the top five. The last party was Liberal; they never managed to grasp not even a single seat. (BBC NEWS, 2005). In general elections when future stands unpredictable, polls also enlighten investors on what is to be expected. This information is extremely important in order to ensure funds are safe kept. Britain is a big economy depended by so many other countries and a small distortion could result to crumbling of other related project funded by British peoples. Political parties hence ought to play a major role in ensuring that polls do not act as a field where battle each other. It is upon the Conservatives, Labour or even the Liberals to make the election fever more realistic through equal and fair polls. Claims that the Britain electoral is either bought or bribed should not be heard once and for all. Media, which is press, radio, television and the internet should also avoid corrupted and biased polling results.(BBC NEWS, 2008). In conclusion, the roles played by the opinion polls either positive or negative are worth recognition and the much needed support. It is their existence that has unleashed so many scandalous deals in many governments. Due to this polls too, right decisions have been reached with the inclusion of human rights. There arises the need to give out recommendations on ways to improve the firms involved with the polls rather then totally being against them or even banning. Opinion polls are a fundamental element in general elections. Done before, in the process or after the general election what needs to be looked after is their genunity. They should not be banned. REFERENCES AFP (2008). Poll slump 2008: retrieved on 25/04/2008 at http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hm8R5EjIvBJ_3m2uVMIKFzIkiFng AFP (2008). British poll results: retrieved on 25/04/2008 at http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hm8R5EjIvBJ_3m2uVMIKFzIkiFng BBC NEWS (2008). Local poll news: retrieved on 25/04/2008 at http://news.bbc.co.uk/vote2001/low/english/newsid_1369000/1369111.stm BBC NEWS (2005). Elections 2005: : retrieved on 25/04/2008 at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/vote2005/html/scoreboard.stm JSTOR.Org (2007) Worcester: retrieved on 25/04/2008 at http://www.jstor.org/sicisici=0033-362X(198024)44%3A4%3C548%3APTPAPP%3E2.0.CO%3B2-8&cookieSet=1 Liberal Democrat Voice (2008). Park 2008: retrieved on 25/04/2008 at http://www.libdemvoice.org/conservative-european-selections-2463.html The Press Association (2008). Tories surge 2008: retrieved on 25/04/2008 at http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hiH8gNNwjigeKx2fFHbmMT51i5uA Word Web Online (2008). Dictionary: retrieved on 25/04/2008 at http://www.wordwebonline.com/ Telegraph.co.uk (2008). Opinion polls in 2008: retrieved on 25/04/2008 at http://my.telegraph.co.uk/tantalus/september_2007/labour_is_ahead_in_the_opinion_polls_gordon_walks.htm Read More