Public Perceptions of Corruption and of the High Office of Oversight in Afghanistan

Based on its mandate and additional authority delegated to it in 2010 by the President, the High Office is responsible for registering complaints, conducting preliminary investigations, and referring cases about corruption to the Attorney General's Office for further investigation and prosecution. The High Office also registers, verifies, and discloses the financial asset declarations of government officials, simplifies government administrative procedures, provides expert assistance to government ministries and departments, and promotes public education and awareness about corruption and anti-corruption programs. A nationwide public opinion survey was conducted in July 2011 to assess citizen perceptions of corruption and of the High Office of Oversight. The survey aimed to develop a baseline of citizen attitudes toward the High Office, improve procedures for registering corruption complaints, support the development of an informed Communications Strategy, and support the development of the High Office's regionalization strategy. The survey was conducted by Gallup under subcontract to Management Systems International's USAID-sponsored Assistance for Afghanistan's Anti-Corruption Authority (4A) Project, with in-person interviews conducted with a representative sample of 3,500 Afghanistan residents across 34 provinces. The survey found that only 25% of the public have general confidence in the High Office of Oversight, much lower than confidence in tribal leaders, the police, and the national government. However, 44% say they would trust the High Office to provide a fair review of complaints about government corruption. Awareness of the High Office is at high levels across Afghanistan (72%), though awareness does not always equate with a clear understanding of the High Office's mandate (62%) or perceived effectiveness (56% or less). The High Office is viewed as most effective in educating the public and monitoring government finances and least effective in investigating complaints. Corruption and bribery are widespread and believed to be getting worse, with solicitation for bribes coming from local/provincial government officials, members of the judiciary process, police/army, and tribal officials. Citizens are hungry for more information about anti-corruption activities, particularly details about current investigations and how to defend their rights and register complaints. The High Office needs to disseminate more information about its mission and achievements to boost understanding and trust with the public and increase complaints registered with the High Office. Recommendations drawn from the survey results include updating the High Office's communication strategy to enhance citizen trust and increase the number of complaints registered with the office. Pilot High Office branch offices should be established in several provinces in close coordination with local shuras or jirgas. The High Office's procedures to yield timely follow-up for complainants should be re-emphasized, and pilot testing of new techniques should be conducted that seek administrative resolution of citizen complaints before passing these cases to the judicial system. Success stories of effective resolution of citizen complaints should be added to the High Office website.