Pollster Claims His Firm Was Most Accurate in Recent Elections
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Pollster Tzuriel Sharon of Direct Polls claims his firm's predictions were the most accurate in the recent Israeli elections. He stated their exit poll on i24NEWS differed significantly from others and closely matched the final vote count. Sharon emphasized the importance of professional independence and rigorous methodology in polling, especially when findings diverge from the mainstream.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Pollster Tzuriel Sharon claims his firm Direct Polls was the most accurate in predicting election results.
- Direct Polls' exit poll on i24NEWS presented a different picture than all other polls.
- Sharon emphasized professional independence and courage to stand by data against criticism.
- The firm invested heavily in upgrading its technological systems for polling.
- Direct Polls worked with clients across the political spectrum.
Pollster Tzuriel Sharon, representing Direct Polls, has asserted his firm achieved the highest accuracy in predicting the recent Israeli election results, stating their polls were the closest to the final outcome after 100% of votes were counted. Sharon described the election period as a "test of life" for pollsters, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, methodology, judgment, experience, technology, and courage to stand by one's findings against differing opinions.
He explained that Direct Polls approached the election with "holy fear and great humility," recognizing the responsibility to clients and the public. Sharon noted that their data consistently presented a different picture than other media outlets in the weeks leading up to the election, sometimes with significant discrepancies. Despite facing questions, doubts, and criticism, he maintained that professional findings should not be altered by external pressure, and the firm rigorously re-examined its data, assumptions, and models to ensure accuracy.
Sharon highlighted a significant investment in upgrading their technological systems, which he believes are now state-of-the-art. He stated that Direct Polls worked with clients across the political spectrum, including nearly all party leaders, many of whom challenged their projections. However, he asserted that their professional stance prevailed, and the final results validated their accuracy.
He pointed to Direct Polls' exit poll, broadcast on i24NEWS at 10:00 PM, which presented a substantially different picture from all other polls and accurately reflected the bloc dynamics. Sharon confirmed they had informed the channel they would not adjust the poll throughout the night, sticking to their initial findings. As the night progressed and actual results emerged, the data showed a remarkable alignment with their exit poll, particularly concerning the Likud's seat count and the overall bloc distribution.
Sharon concluded by emphasizing the importance of professional independence, stating that it is easier to conform to consensus or echo chambers. He acknowledged the hard work of his fellow pollsters but stressed that external pressures should not influence pollsters' data, as the public needs accurate information, not just repetition of existing narratives.
