Majority of Afghans still believe the country is headed the wrong way, but optimism has increased slightly, according to a poll released Tuesday by the Asia Foundation.
36.1 percent of Afghans surveyed between July and August 2019 said that the country is going in the right direction, up from 32.8 percent in 2018.
In explaining reasons for their optimism, those who say “peace or end of war” has increased notably from 16.4 percent to 26.3 percent this year, according to the poll.
The survey also found that Afghans’ fear for personal safety increased to 74.5 percent from 71.1 percent last year.
Also, the willingness to leave Afghanistan if given the opportunity has grown to 37.9 percent from 36.8 percent in 2018.
Confidence in governmental and nongovernmental organizations has increased, with the exception of the Independent Election Commission, which has seen confidence drop from 43.3 percent in 2018 to 42.3 percent in 2019.
Meanwhile, 81.5 percent of Afghans surveyed this year said corruption is a major problem in their country, consistent with last year.
The survey said 65.1 percent of respondents were satisfied with democracy, a 3.7 percent increase over 2018.
Asked who should represent Afghanistan at the negotiating table, a plurality of Afghans (37.7 percent) named President Ashraf Ghani. The National Unity government (33.5 percent) and religious leaders (21.8 percent ) place second and third respectively.
“Given Afghanistan’s political divisions, structural governance challenges, and economic insecurity, the importance of reliable data on the views of Afghan citizens cannot be overstated,” said David D. Arnold,president of The Asia Foundation. “Our goal is to provide timely data and analysis in support of Afghan government and citizens’ efforts to build a stable, prosperous society.”
