democracy 2024 : Analysis warns post Pakistan election 2024
Experts emphasize that Pakistan’s democracy is facing a pivotal moment post-election, grappling with political, economic, security, and legitimacy crises.
Young voters turnout
After a delay of four months, Pakistan’s 128 million voters are set to choose their next federal government on Thursday amidst a backdrop of political and economic turmoil and a crackdown on former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party.
Statistics on young voters
With more than 90,000 polling booths across the nation, voters will elect members for the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. The National Assembly requires a party to secure at least 134 seats for a majority, but coalitions are also possible.
While the election results may bring temporary stability, analysts caution that long-term sustainability hinges on breaking the cycle of political manipulation, which many perceive to favor certain parties over others, particularly evident in the treatment of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
Security concerns loom large as evidenced by recent bomb blasts, raising fears of violence and potential internet shutdowns during the voting process.
Economically, Pakistan faces significant challenges with soaring inflation, widespread poverty, a depreciating currency, and a populace increasingly disillusioned with the trajectory of the economy.
The electoral landscape has been marred by allegations of interference and manipulation, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the process. The dominance of established figures like Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has fueled suspicions of behind-the-scenes machinations.
The crackdown on PTI, including the imprisonment of Imran Khan and allegations of harassment of party candidates, has further cast a shadow over the fairness of the elections.
Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope in the engagement of young voters, who represent a significant portion of the electorate. Their participation could signal a shift in the political landscape if they choose to make their voices heard.
Addressing the economic crisis will be paramount for the incoming government, requiring credibility to instill confidence both domestically and internationally.
The outcome of the elections will likely shape Pakistan’s political trajectory in the coming years, with potential repercussions for societal cohesion and stability. Ensuring a fair and transparent process is essential to building trust in the democratic system and fostering optimism for the future.
