MEC Vulnerability to Corruption Assessment of Municipalities Revenue Collection. Afghanistan, 2016

This VCA shows that during the past 14 years, the government has not undertaken effective efforts to improve these institutions. The interviewees believe that undue influence of the government and political stakeholders has created a level of dysfunction that has resulted in few reforms and a lack of economic growth. Municipalities also have unelected mayors, many of whom are appointed as a result of political interference. Documentation also shows that more than 62% of mayors are not qualified, most having received a high school education and some less than that. There is evidence that for political reasons the central government has appointed and supported them, and then delegated to the municipalities unlimited and uncontrollable authorities, which has led to some mayors misusing municipal revenues.