NEW YORK, July 11: Large numbers of Pakistanis, along with solid majorities of Muslims in Egypt, Jordon and Tunisia, believe democracy is the best form of government, says a new global survey.

The Pew Research Centre survey conducted in six predominantly Muslim nations between March 19 and April 20 reveals that a year after the “stirrings of Arab Spring” the people in these countries do not only support the general notion of democracy, but also embrace specific features of a democratic system, such as competitive elections and free speech.

Substantial numbers in key Muslim countries want a large role for Islam in political life. However, there are significant differences over the degree to which the legal system should be based on Islam.

The United States is not seen as promoting democracy in the Middle East. In newly democratic Tunisia, only about three in ten believe the American response to the political upheaval in their country has had a positive impact.

Despite the tumult and uncertainty of the last year, views about democracy are mostly unchanged since 2011, although support has declined somewhat in Jordan. Enthusiasm for democracy tends to be generally less intense in Jordan and Pakistan. It is consistently strong in Lebanon and Turkey.

While democratic rights and institutions are popular, they are clearly not the only priorities in the six nations surveyed. In particular, the economy is a top concern.

And if they had to choose, most Jordanians, Tunisians and Pakistanis would rather have a strong economy than a good democracy. Turks and Lebanese, on the other hand, would prefer democracy. Egyptians are divided.

Majorities in Pakistan, Jordan and Egypt believe laws should strictly follow the teachings of the Quran, while most Tunisians and 44 per cent of Turks want laws to be influenced by the values and principles of Islam, but not strictly follow the Quran.

Solid majorities in Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan and Lebanon said the 2011 popular uprising would lead to more democracy in the Middle East. Turks and Pakistanis, on the other hand, were less hopeful.