Pakistan's Electoral History: A Complex and Turbulent Saga

Strategic Insights -

The 2002 general elections in Pakistan saw the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secure more votes than the Pakistan Muslim League (Q), but the PPP was still denied the opportunity to form a government at the center. This sorry state of affairs was revealed in a book titled "National Assembly Elections in Pakistan," published by the Free and Fair Election Network and Church World Services Pakistan-Afghanistan. The book was launched at a ceremony in Islamabad, where experts and representatives of the organizations behind the book shed light on the complexities of Pakistan's electoral history. From the colonial era to the present day, Pakistan's electoral history has been marked by undemocratic tactics, including those employed by former dictator Pervez Musharraf. The book emphasizes that military governments have consistently obstructed the growth and promotion of democratic processes in the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PPP secured more votes than the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) in the 2002 general elections, but was still denied government at the center.
  • The book "National Assembly Elections in Pakistan" highlights the undemocratic tactics used by former dictator Pervez Musharraf to prevent popular parties from forming governments.
  • The military governments of Pakistan have consistently obstructed the promotion and growth of democratic processes in the country.
  • The book is the first to cover all nine general elections held in Pakistan from 1970 to 2008.
  • The book divides Pakistan's electoral history into four periods: colonial political consciousness (1909-1946), constitution-forming in a newly formed state (1948-1958), military dictatorships (1958-1969), and post-1970 adult franchise.
  • The Representative of Church World Service, Ayesha Hassan, emphasized the importance of elections in promoting democracy and accountability in a country.
  • Sarwar Bari, a representative of the Free and Fair Election Net Work, stated that the book provides comprehensive information about the electoral processes of Pakistan over the last four decades.
  • The book highlights the non-uniformity of laws under which elections were held in Pakistan, with no two elections being held under the same laws and rules.
  • The book was published by the Free and Fair Election Network and Church World Services Pakistan-Afghanistan, with a representative stating that the publication aims to provide an opportunity to understand the process of elections in Pakistan.

Statistics:

  • 1970: Adult franchise was granted in Pakistan
  • 2002: PPP secured more votes than Pakistan Muslim League (Q) in the general elections
  • 1948-1958: Period of constitution-forming in a newly formed state
  • 1958-1969: Period of military dictatorship
  • 1970-2008: Nine general elections held in Pakistan
  • 1909-1946: Period of colonial political consciousness
  • 2008: Last general election covered in the book
  • 4 decades: Period covered by the book on Pakistan's electoral history

Sources:

  • Frontier Star, February 09, 2011
  • "National Assembly Elections in Pakistan" book published by Free and Fair Election Network and Church World Services Pakistan-Afghanistan