Evolution of Electoral Politics and Populist Tendencies in Pakistan: A Historical Perspective

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical evolution of electoral politics in Pakistan with a special focus on populist tendencies that have shaped its democratic trajectory. From the creation of Pakistan in 1947 to the general elections of 2018, Pakistan’s political system has witnessed alternating periods of military rule and democratic revival, often influenced by populist leaders who claimed to represent the will of the ‘common people’ against corrupt elites. The study emphasizes how figures such as Fatima Jinnah, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, and Imran Khan used populist narratives to mobilize the masses and redefine the country’s political discourse. It further argues that while populism has broadened citizen participation and created new spaces for democratic expression, it has also contributed to political instability, weakened institutions, and polarized society. Drawing upon historical, descriptive, and comparative analysis, this paper situates Pakistan’s electoral history within broader global populist trends, offering a nuanced understanding of how populism simultaneously strengthens and undermines democratic development. The research concludes that the future of Pakistan’s democracy depends upon balancing popular mobilization with institutional accountability and inclusive governance.

Keywords: Evolution, Electoral Politics, Populist Tendencies, Pakistan