Pessimism before Afghan elections

Kabul – Afghans are pessimistic about their country’s direction ahead of elections next year, Afghanistan’s largest annual opinion survey said.

Insecurity was the top reason for pessimism in the Asia Foundation survey, cited by 72.5% of participants, followed by the economy and jobs, poor governance and endemic corruption, along with irregular electricity and water supply.

The survey showed a mood of continuing uncertainty ahead of presidential elections in April and moves to open peace talks with the Taliban.