Electoral Strategies and Performance of Major Political Parties in Pakistan

Abstract

Political parties are very important for modern political systems and their absence shows that system is weak and is governed by personalities. Manifestoes are important documents that help political parties to earn the loyalty and support of the citizens of that country. Electoral strategies are practical steps which a political party takes to wins the support of masses by convincing the electorate. This study will focus on the electoral strategies and performance of three political parties in Pakistan including PPP, PML-N and PTI. Qualitative approach was adopted for this study. The study made a comparison electoral strategies and performance through content analysis by exploring the websites of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and other state institutions. Different Pre and post-election reports and administrative documents of different entities about political parties were used in analysis. Some of the election strategies of these parties have inhibited and some have promoted the democratic practices in the aftermath of elections.  Rigging, vote-buying and violence were used by political parties to coerce people to clinch power. Arranging rallies, seeking funds and hunting electable or winning horses were used by political parties to seek support from electorates. Electoral performance is influences by geography and shows that three parties are dominant in different provinces.