Opinion polls are mere predictions

From Boakye-Dankwa Boadi, Berlin, Sept. 14, GNA - Opinion polls results should not be presented as being more accurate than the real outcome of an election since they are mere predictions, Mr Florain Wenzel of FORSA, Berlin has said. FORSA is a centre for statistical analysis in Berlin.

Mr Wenzel was speaking to Ghanaian Journalists currently visiting Germany to witness elections in Brandenburg and the Free State of Saxony. He said opinion polls should be scientific and have small margins of error to gain the confidence of the electorate. Explaining how opinion polls are conducted in Germany, Mr Wenzel said a sample of the electorate are called on telephone and asked simple questions- "if elections were conducted today who would you vote for?"

Other questions might include the reason why the electorate made the choice, he said, adding that in Germany the emphasis is more on exit polls that attempt to come out with election results before the official declaration.