Based on investigations by TOLOnews, the top concern amongst most Afghans when it comes to the April Presidential and Provincial Council elections is whether or not they will be held on time. With major security issues still present, many are concerned the pivotal vote could be compromised.
Next year's elections will mark the first potential democratic transition of Presidential power in Afghan history, also coming at a time when the NATO coalition draws down its presence in Afghanistan in the lead up to the end of its combat mission in December, 2014.
"There is no other option for a peaceful transition of political power except holding a transparent election," a resident from the eastern Nangarhar province named Ghulam Hazrat said.
One of the keys to the success of the elections, according to the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and political experts, is that they been seen as credible. And essential to their legitimacy, is said to be the voter turnout - the higher the turnout, the greater the credibility.
Officials, candidates, civil society groups and the general public have all expressed anxieties about the transparency of the electoral process.
"Holding of the elections is a good move, but we are concerned about the transparency of the polling process," a resident from Ghazni province named Ghulam Sediq told TOLOnews.
Election Commission leaders have said that insecurity could pose the greatest threat to the elections, preventing oversight and therefore making them more vulnerable to improprieties as well as intimidating people away from the polls.
"We will participate in the elections, but we have concerns about the security of the elections," a resident from northern Balkh province assured.
However, others were firm in their stance that no security threats should come in the way of the elections being held on time.
"It is undeniable that there are some security concerns, but that shouldn't be a pretext for delaying the elections," a resident from southern Helmand province said.