By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The latest online citizen opinion poll conducted by the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has revealed that corruption and lack of integrity remain the single biggest reasons citizens are losing trust in politicians and public institutions.
According to the 2026 findings of the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) poll, a commanding 53 percent of respondents identified corruption and a lack of integrity as the single biggest factor undermining their confidence in leadership and governance systems, significantly outweighing all other concerns highlighted in the survey.
The findings present a stark picture of public sentiment, suggesting that concerns over accountability, honesty and ethical leadership now dominate citizens’ perceptions of national governance.
The poll, which sought to determine the main drivers of declining public trust, showed that political polarization ranked second with 16 percent, underscoring growing concern over the deepening “us versus them” political climate that many citizens believe is undermining national cohesion and effective governance.
Closely following was broken promises and unreliability at 14 percent, reflecting frustration among citizens who feel political leaders often fail to deliver on campaign pledges and public commitments.
Meanwhile, misinformation and lack of transparency accounted for 9 percent, indicating that concerns over unclear communication, hidden decision-making processes and the spread of misleading narratives continue to erode confidence in public institutions.
At the lower end of the poll, economic insecurity and lack of political voice each recorded 4 percent, suggesting that while those issues remain significant, many respondents believe they are symptoms of deeper governance failures rooted in corruption and institutional dishonesty.
The results further indicate that political polarization now outweighs broken promises as a source of distrust, highlighting the extent to which division and partisan hostility are increasingly viewed as obstacles to national progress.
Observers say the findings send a strong message to policymakers, governance institutions and political actors that rebuilding public trust will require far more than rhetoric. Citizens appear to be demanding visible reforms, ethical leadership, transparency and stronger accountability mechanisms.
The CHRDI survey offers an important snapshot of public opinion at a time when confidence in democratic institutions remains central to national stability, citizen participation and long-term development.
With corruption emerging so overwhelmingly at the top of public concern, the poll reinforces growing calls for institutions to strengthen integrity systems, enforce anti-corruption safeguards and promote leadership standards that restore citizens’ belief in governance.
