This qualitative study is in-depth information of the views of Afghan community regarding issues that affects their community, particularly their ability to hold leaders responsible for resolving those issues and their level of participation in politics (e.g. voting).  The study is largely descriptive based on information from in-depth interviews in Kabul and Nangarhar provinces.  Specific attention regarding the views of women, men and youth are taken into consideration.

This study has been conducted at a time the presidential and district elections are scheduled to take place in early 2019. For constructive political discourse, especially during an election period, citizens should feel able to question their government yet only a little over half (54%) of Afghans say they feel safe criticizing their government in public.