DETERMINANTS OF VOTING BEHAVIOUR: A CASE STUDY OF 2018 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN MALAKAND DIVISION

Abstract

This paper explores the complex nature of voting behavior in the Malakand Division of Pakistan, focusing on the 2018 general elections. It utilizes a multi-dimensional framework to examine how a variety of factors socio-cultural, political, economic, psychological, and religious influence electoral choices. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates both quantitative and qualitative analyses, based on the Funnel and Causality Model, to offer a thorough understanding of voter behaviour in the region. The study collects insights from various segments of the electorate, taking into account variables such as gender, age, education, profession, region, and income type. The findings indicate that voting behavior in Malakand Division is shaped by a blend of influences rather than a single cause. While socio-cultural factors exert a lasting impact, political determinants like leadership affiliation also play a significant role. Election campaigns and emerging issues have a notable short-term impact on individual voters. These elements are interconnected and mutually dependent, shaping how voters form political preferences and make their voting decisions. Among these factors, political influences tend to play a more dominant role in determining voting choices, often surpassing socio-cultural considerations. Overall, this study deepens the comprehension of electoral dynamics in the Malakand Division and provides a valuable foundation for future research in the areas of voting behaviour and political science.

Keywords: Voting behaviour, Malakand, Determinant, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Electoral Politics, Electoral behaviour