SEARCH ARTICLE

53 Pages : 558-567

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2020(V-II).53      10.31703/gssr.2020(V-II).53      Published : Jun 2020

Politics of Electoral Symbols in Pakistan

    Electoral symbols have a significant role in electoral campaigns. Political parties used stamps to propagate their political stance and to organize political behavior around their programs. The political symbolism demonstrates different meanings to different people due to their socio-political orientations.Some political parties tried to use electoral symbols more proactively than others. These multi-layered meanings led to the articulate political interests of social groups. There are many questions unanswered regarding the impact and use of the political symbol. Can election symbols influence particular areas more than the rest of the country? Does electoral symbol matter in electoral victory? This paper is an attempt to explore the politics and use of symbols in electoral politics. In the electoral politics of Pakistan, the study of electoral symbols is unique due to its multiple uses in highly polarized electoral contexts. The study concludes that political parties use electoral symbols tactfully to maximize their vote bank. A qualitative approach has been used to investigate a core question

    Electoral Symbols, Pakistan, Voting, Symbolism, Political Parties
    (1) Muhammad Shakeel Ahmad
    Assistant Professor, Centre for Policy Studies, COMSATS University-Islamabad, Pakistan

26 Pages : 202-208

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-IV).26      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-IV).26      Published : Dec 2019

Influence of Interpersonal Communication Sources on Voting Behaviour of Youth

    A study was conducted in General Election 2013 Campaign" conducted to determine the influence of interpersonal communication such as (Parents, Siblings, friend, religious leader, celebrities teachers and others identifying which source is more significant in shaping voting behavior of Pakistani youth. For this study, the survey method was used, in which self-reported questionnaire distributed among 1000 respondents in public sectors universities of Punjab and Islamabad to find out results. SPSS was used for data analysis and statistical testing of the variables. The results proved that Parents are the most significant predictor of the voting behavior of youth, but their level of significance gradually decreases when compared to prior studies, because of change in the source of information of youth. This study supports the theoretical framework of interpersonal discussion that emphasized on the importance of interpersonal discussion in shaping behaviors attitudes and emotional reactions of youth.

    Interpersonal Communication, Interpersonal Sources, Voting Behaviour, General Election 2013, Election Campaign, Interpersonal Influences
    (1) Yasir Waseem Iqbal
    Lecturer,Department of Journalism, Govt Degree College Nowshera Virkan, Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Ghulam Shabir
    Professor, Department of Media Studies,The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.

39 Pages : 301-307

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-IV).39      10.31703/gssr.2019(IV-IV).39      Published : Dec 2019

Does Issue Voting Matter in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? Empirical Evidence from 2002-2013 Elections

    Issue voting is the theory of voting behavior which emphasizes that issues play an important role in making electoral decisions by the electorate in general elections. Issues of public importance are incorporated in party manifestoes and electoral campaigns so that to attract the masses and to stand victorious in elections. This article provides empirical evidence during 2002-2013 that how issue voting has played its dominant role in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa? The study assumes that issue voting is a dominant factor in describing electoral patterns in KP. The period 2002-2013 covers three general elections including 2002, 2008 and 2013. In all these elections issue voting has been operated in the form of various issues. It will highlight all those issues which have been used in the form of issue voting during 2002-2013 period. Data have been collected through a questionnaire and have been analyzed with the help of SPSS software version 22 by applying descriptive and inferential statistics.

    Issue Voting, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Electoral behaviour, Electoral Politics, Voting Behaviour.
    (1) Farman Ullah
    Assistant Professor,Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Fakhrul Islam
    Professor and Director, Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.

06 Pages : 51-65

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-III).06      10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-III).06      Published : Sep 2022

Family Affiliation and Electoral Politics in District Charsadda: A Case Study of 2013 General Elections

    This paper explores family affiliation as a determinant in describing voting behaviour in NA-8 Charsadda. The study argues that family affiliation is an important determinant of electoral politics in district Charsadda. In order to predict the electoral consequences of electoral behaviour in the universe, a survey has been conducted using questionnaire as a tool of data collection. In this regard, a sample of 304 respondents has been selected through multistage, random and systematic sampling from the voter list. Analysis has been made via descriptive statistics including frequency distribution and percentage and inferential statistics including the Chi-square test and probability value. The primary data reveal that (67.9%) of the respondents supported the view that the electoral preferences have been made on the basis of family affiliation in district Charsadda in the 2013 general elections.

    District Charsadda, General Elections 2013, Family Affiliations, Biradari, Voting Behaviour
    (1) Muhammad Ibrahim
    Lecturer, Department of Pakistan Studies, Kohat University of Science and Technology, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Shahbaz Khan
    Associate Professor, Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
    (3) Nadia Bashir
    Chairperson, Department of Pakistan Studies, Edwards College Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.

57 Pages : 648-656

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-II).57      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-II).57      Published : Jun 2023

The Electoral Symphony: Unveiling Sindh's Voting Voyage (An Insightful Exploration of the 2018 General Elections)

    This research paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process in Sindh, shedding light on the key factors that shaped voter behaviour and influenced election outcomes. By examining the socio-political dynamics, voter demographics, campaign strategies, and the role of technology, this study offers valuable insights into the electoral symphony that unfolded during the 2018 general elections in Sindh. In the last election, PPP secured 42 seats with a vote percentage of 15.23%. The popular vote share also increased to 13.03%, although there was a slight swing of 2.29 percentage points towards a decrease. These election outcomes depict a significant shift in the political landscape of Pakistan. Imran Khan's PTI emerged as the leading party, securing the highest number of seats and a considerable popular vote share.

    Electoral Symphony, Voting Voyage, General Elections, Sindh, Pakistan
    (1) Abdul Rahim
    Ph.D, Pakistan Study, University of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Nadeemullah
    Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, University of Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.