The results of the “Contentment Research in Municipalities” survey, organized by Girne Research Institute (GAE) which serves under Girne American University, was revealed to the public with a press conference held at Arabahmet Cultural Centre.

The opening speech of the press conference organized at Arabahmet Culture Centre was conducted by GAU CEO and President of the Board of Girne Research Institute - Assist. Assoc. Dr. Asım Vehbi.

Vehbi stated in his speech that the survey aim was to determine satisfaction with the Municipalities before the local elections, which will take place in June. The survey, which has been conducted with 295 households in rural areas and 396 households in urban areas, a total of 691 households, 801 people, face to face survey techniques were used as the application method in private households to all of the individuals aged 18 and over. Vehbi emphasized that the study which investigated whether the expectations have changed or not, contributed greatly to both GAU academic staff and students.

Vehbi - " We can upgrade our country to the level we want if we move according to scientific data."

Vehbi who stated that "We can upgrade our country to the level we want if we move according to scientific data”; emphasized that the next survey will attempt to determine which party the citizens will vote for and GAE will continue to study in different areas.

GAU Board Member - Hasan Erçakıca, who made a statement at the press conference, stated that at the survey it is viewed if the local government resources are used effectively or not and announced that local governments will be in the active interest of Girne Research Institute and will continue to work in the future. Erçakıca stated that indications were established which shows the way the citizens who will vote and said that they would be happy to help if there is demand from the political parties that wish to benefit from the results.

GAU Board Member - Erhan Vechi stated that the results of survey are very important for the present local government in terms of self-criticism and noted that the survey’s aim is to determine whether the individuals are satisfied with the services they have received from Municipalities. Vechi, who stated that they have covered a wide range according to occupation, stressed that cleaning the streets and alleys is one of the issues that people value the most, but the people stressed that it was not satisfying enough. Vechi noted that the adequacy and quality of water delivered to the homes are not satisfactory according to the survey, and the public transportation in TRNC fails the class of satisfaction. Vechi also added that people want to have recognition for people with disabilities, but the expectations are far below being satisfactory.

Statistical Survey Results

• According to the survey results of the households located in all settlements within the boundaries of the TRNC, 49% of respondents believe that the revenue resources of Municipalities are sufficient, and 32% believe that it is not enough.

• The ratio of those who believe that municipal revenue is used correctly is 22% and those who believe that it is misused 60%.

• 49% of respondents believe that governments should have the authority to dismiss municipal governments and 33% believe that governments should not have such authority.
• It is announced that the rate of those who believe the municipality offers unnecessary recruitment is 48%; those who argue the recruitment rate is not unnecessary is 26%.

• To the question "Was connecting villages to municipalities useful?", 47% answered Yes and 27% answered No.

• Those who are "dissatisfied" with the price of the services is 33.2%, while 5.9% are "satisfied".

• Accordingly to the ratios “State employers” are the most discontented while the ages between “50-59” are those who have “not graduated from any school” and also those who earn “4000TL or more monthly wages” are the most discontented.

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