Introduction: AWRAD carried out an opinion poll among Palestinian opinion leaders on the aftermath and implications of the resignation of PM Dr. Salam Fayyad. The sample included representatives of Palestinian academia, NGOs, political parties, private sector, and media. Two hundred and thirty eight (238) such leaders were selected in all West Bank regions from available lists relevant to each group. For example, academics were selected though a random systematic sample from lists available in each university. Journalists were selected from a list obtained from the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. Half of the questionnaires were filled out through phone interviews and the other half through face-to-face interviews. The interviews took place between 11 and 12 May 2013.

Analysis of Results:

1. Evaluation of the Fayyad legacy: 65 percent believe that social service delivery improved under Fayyad

Fayyad led a number of governments since 2007. Opinion leaders are divided concerning the performance of the governments led by Fayyad, though a majority saw improvements in a number of areas compared to the period before his appointment:

• The financial crisis: 44 percent of opinion leaders believe that Fayyad is not responsible for the ongoing financial crisis in the Palestinian Authority. 32 percent believe that he is responsible “to some extent.” In contrast, 24 percent believe that he is responsible for the crisis.
• Security: 41 percent believe that the security situation improved in the West Bank during Fayyad’s term in office. 29 percent believe that it improved “to some extent.” In contrast, 28 percent believe that the security situation did not improve during his term in office.
• Social services: 30 percent believe that public service provision such as education and health care improved in the West Bank during Fayyad’s term in office.35 percent believe that service provision improved “to some extent.” In contrast, 32 percent believe that service provision did not improve.
• Transparency and accountability: 31 percent believe that the Fayyad governments improved transparency and accountability in the PA. 34 percent believe that transparency and accountability improved “to some extent.” In contrast, 32 percent believe that the situation did not improve.
• Corruption: Only 3 percent believe that Fayyad was able to root out corruption in the PA and 37 percent believe that he did but only “to some extent.” The majority (58 percent) disagree.

2. Implications of the resignation of Fayyad: Fayyad’s resignation has no impact on the prospects for reconciliation and peace, but 51 percent believe that it will have a negative impact on foreign assistance

Opinion leaders were asked about the impact of the Fayyad resignation on a number of issues concerning Palestinians. Only a small percentage believes that his resignation will have a positive impact:

• Transparency in the PA: 10 percent of opinion leaders believe that Fayyad’s resignation will have a positive impact on the improvement of transparency in the PA. 52 percent believe that it will make no difference. In contrast, 35 percent believe that it will have a negative impact.
• Service provision: 10 percent of opinion leaders believe that Fayyad’s resignation will have a positive impact on service provision. 54 percent believe that it will make no difference. In contrast, 34 percent believe that it will have a negative impact.
• Foreign assistance: 8 percent of opinion leaders believe that Fayyad’s resignation will have a positive impact on foreign assistance. 38 percent believe that it will make no difference. In contrast, 51 percent believe that it will have a negative impact.
• Reconciliation: 16 percent of opinion leaders believe that Fayyad’s resignation will have a positive impact on the prospects for reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas. 71 percent believe that it will make no difference. In contrast, 9 percent believe that it will have a negative impact.
• Peace process: 5 percent of opinion leaders believe that Fayyad’s resignation will have a positive impact on the peace process. 78 percent believe that it will make no difference. In contrast, 11 percent believe that it will have a negative impact.

3. The next cabinet: National unity and professionalism are priorities; Hanan Ashrawi leads for the PM position

Opinion leaders were asked about their expectations for the next government. Most hope for a national unity government:

• National unity government as a priority:82 percent of opinion leaders believe that President Abbas’s primary objective should be the formation of a national unity government. 18 percent disagree.
• A government of professionals and party representatives: 49 percent of opinion leaders believe that the next cabinet should be composed of professionals and representatives of political parties. 43 percent believe that it should be composed of professionals only and 6 percent believe that it should be composed of representatives of political parties only.
• Independent Prime Minister (PM): 66 percent of opinion leaders believe that the next PM should be an independent technocrat. 11 percent believe that the next PM should be the President himself. 6 percent believe that the next PM should be a member of Fatah’s Central Committee and 6 percent from another PLO faction.
• Hanan Ashrawi is the most favorable candidate: If a national unity government were not to materialize, opinion leaders were asked who should be appointed PM. Hanan Ashrawi received 18 percent of opinion leaders’ support, followed by Mustafa Barghouthi with 12 percent, Mohamed Shtayehand Mohamed Mustafa (11 percent each). Munib Masri and Rami Hamdallah received 4 percent support each. Azzam al Ahmad received less than 1 percent. 32 percent did not favor any of the listed leaders and 7 percent were undecided. It must be noted that Dr. Hanan Ashrawi ran for the Parliament in 2006 on the same list with Dr. Salam Fayyad.