Poll: People Demands Transparency and Foreign Aid in Quake Relief Efforts

DID Press: Following a devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, a new poll conducted by DID Press reveals that the public’s top priorities are securing greater international assistance and ensuring transparency in its distribution—two demands they believe can transform the relief process and restore public trust.

According to the findings, an increase in international aid ranked first, receiving 50 percent of responses. Many participants stressed that domestic resources alone are insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs of the affected population. They argued that support from foreign governments, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies will be crucial in addressing critical shortages.

Transparency and strict oversight of aid distribution came second, with 37 percent of responses. Participants noted that even if aid levels rise, without an effective monitoring system the risk of resource mismanagement or unequal distribution remains high. Several respondents emphasized that publishing financial reports and beneficiary lists would strengthen public confidence and encourage both local and international contributions.

Improved coordination between domestic and foreign institutions was cited by only 13 percent of participants. While avoiding duplication and waste are key, respondents appear to view shortages of resources and lack of transparency as more pressing obstacles.

Notably, the option of accelerating aid delivery received no support. This may indicate that the public already considers delivery times relatively fast, or that their primary concerns lie with the scale and transparency of assistance rather than speed.

Overall, the data suggests that public opinion links the crisis facing earthquake victims less to logistical delays and more to resource gaps and weak accountability. Policymakers and relief officials are therefore urged to focus on mobilizing international aid and establishing effective oversight mechanisms to improve both the quantity and quality of assistance.