Voting Behaviour In Charsadda

Voting Behaviour In Charsadda

The basic theme of the study provided a theoretical and methodological framework of the voting behaviour in District Charsadda. The research is based on primary data. Therefore, questionnaires were distributed for the collection of data. This study also included the structure and sampling method for the collection of data.

The study also provided a complete profile of district Charsadda. The contribution of the politicians of this district is very significant in the politics of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Therefore, complete administrative, geographical and historical information about district Charsadda is given in this chapter. A sketch of prominent political figures like Bacha Khan, Haji Shaib Turangzai, Wali Khan, Doctor Khan Sahib, Hayat Muhammad Khan Sherpao and Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao their biographies and political contributions in the national and local politics are also discussed in the chapter.

The study examined a complete electoral history of Pakistan and the role of different political parties in those elections. It also provides a detailed description of the role of political parties in successive elections which provided recommendations for the political gurus of the area specifically and generally of all politicians. 

Chapter four, five and six provides a detailed account of the social, political, and psychological factors determining the voting behaviour of the people of district Charsadda. This study is a multi-dimensional in approach, conducted to examine the voting behaviour of the people in district Charsadda for the general elections held in 2008. In order to do so, opinions were sought from different segments of the electorates based on their diverse background such as age, gender, education, profession, income, family type. The highly educated voters in the District cast their votes on the basis of their objective assessment of the candidates contesting elections. The study provides an opportunity to the political leadership to broaden their vision about politics as narrowness of outlook can break unhealthy traditions in politics. A political party giving weightage to a family simply because of its influence in the locality violates the principle of equality of all citizens. 

This study revolves around an analysis of the social, psychological, political and economic factors shaping voting behaviour of people in Charsadda. It was observed that family connections as a social factor played a key role in determining the choice of voters. Out of 336 respondents, 121 acknowledge the role of influential families in electoral choice of voters. On the other hand, the personality of contesting candidates also influenced of the voters in elections 2008. More than 140 respondents were those who did not influence from the personality of the candidates. While 81 respondents influenced from the personality of the candidate and hence voted to that candidate. It was observed in study that psychological factor also plays a key role in the shaping voting behaviour of the people of Charsadda. 

During elections economic factor is also an important determinant of voting behaviour. The data gathered for the purpose revealed that 197 respondents out of 336, held the view that economic and other interests of voters shaped their electoral priorities. 71 respondents out of 336 supported Pakistan Tekhrik-e-Insaf because the people believed that Imran Khan has the potentials of a dynamic leader. The second position went to the PPP on account of the party’s initiating the BISP which brought economic relief to the poor people. A majority of female respondents were found inclined to the PPP.

In response to a question whether the elected candidates were proving themselves up to the mark, 147 respondents out of 336 narrated that they were not satisfied with the performance of the candidates who won get elected in 2008. So the prospect of their re-election in future is less.

The voting behaviour of the people living in district Charsadda with particular reference to their participation in the general elections held in 2008 was examined in the light of their social, economic, religious, education, political and family background. In the current situation, the role of family connection has acquired added significance especially in Charsadda District which is regarded as the hub of the Pakhtuns. 

Democracy is characterized with the participation of people in the political affairs of a state. Political participation whether it is through ones induction to the public office or voting in the elections is an important condition for bridging the gap between the rulers and the ruled. Seen in this context it was observed that education and culture are the two major factors not only shaping the voting behaviour but also determining the overall turnout in the elections. From this perspective, it was noted that the voting behaviour of individuals which they demonstrated during 2008 was different from the past in view of the fact that in the last held elections, a majority of the people had not polled their votes as was evident from the low turnout in those elections. This was, apart from other reasons, due to their little awareness about the importance of voting. This is attributed not only to their educational backwardness but also to the political platforms that, is a very exceptional case, launch a campaign for creating awareness among the electorates ahead of the election schedule. 

For meaningful political participation, education and awareness are the two pre-requisites that determine the level of enthusiasm among people regarding their taking part in governmental affairs. The researcher found that the participatory spirit of the people interviewed for this study had tremendously improved for the general elections held in 2008. This change was because of their access to education. For a healthy political culture, the role of organized political parties is of paramount significance. 

Both politicians and military can be held responsible for this catastrophic development which enables the latter to enter into the corridor of power. The reason as to why adequate opportunities could not be provided to the masses in the conduction of state business is the mindset of Pakistan’s ruling class. Things are now on the way to change as is evident from the opinion of the respondents who actively participated in the general elections held in 2008. To sum of, if on one side we have strong family connections in the area and on other side weak position of the politicians or political parties that’s why a change has been identified in voting behaviour of the people of concern area. Another factor revealing from this study is that the common man and the political parties both prefer to elect those for parliamentary seats who are financially sound instead of considering their honesty, truthfulness, sacrifices and past performance, if any. The reason behind such a practice is the aristocratic bent of mind of the parties concerned. This tendency has given birth to a ruling class whose prime eligibility or distinction is their being rich. 

Seen in this context, a vast majority of the voters supported a candidate not because of his being a public-spirited figure but on account of his influence as a wealthy person. Politicians are primarily interested in creating a vote bank on the basis of which they can maintain a hold over their constituency for the purpose of seeking elections time and again. The study thus identifies the determinants and factors that play a key role in shaping the voting behaviour of the people hailing from district Charsadda.