Charity Calls for Polling Help in Egypt

Following the recent uprising in Egypt, a human rights charity is calling for help to establish eight public opinion polling centres across the country, from which it will gauge citizens' reactions to topics such as the role of the police in the new Egyptian state, and the place of religion in politics.

Since its formation in 2006, The Arab Council Supporting Fair Trial - Human Rights (ACSFT) has conducted projects such as workshops with journalists and lawyers to strengthen an independent media, human rights activism within the Egyptian bar association, and initiatives to foster awareness of detainees' rights.

The body is planning to set up eight polling centres located throughout Egypt based on geographic and demographic considerations; with the first in Cairo and expansion to additional cities as soon as possible.

ACSFT's Lawyer and Executive Director Abdelgawad Ahmed is calling on members of AAPOR (the American Association for Public Opinion Research) and others in the global social research sector to help with technical support, guidance, and/or assistance for the initiative.

'As we are still in the early stages of fostering support for public opinion polling, we feel collaboration with outside organisations is essential,' Ahmed said. 'Any help you are able to offer - such as basic set-up advice, assistance in data analysis, or financial sponsorship - is more than welcome and greatly appreciated.'

Web site: www.acsft.org .