Representation matters

The latest report by the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) – ‘Representation in Pakistan’s Elections (2002–2024)’ – paints a rather stark but also quite unsurprising picture of Pakistan’s electoral landscape. According to the report, the ‘representativeness’ of electoral outcomes has stagnated over the past two decades, with successive national and provincial assemblies securing mandates from fewer than a quarter of registered voters, and barely half of those who cast ballots. This alarming disconnect between voter intent and legislative makeup is driving political instability by eroding public trust in electoral outcomes. Much of this can be laid at the door of the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system, which awards victory to candidates who secure the most votes in a constituency, regardless of whether they achieve majority support. This system, as highlighted by the Fafen report, is a key driver of unrepresentative outcomes. For instance, in the 2024 general election, the PTI and the PPP secured a disproportionately high number of assembly seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, respectively, compared to their percentage of votes. While low voter turnout is a persistent concern, the FPTP system exacerbates the issue by disenfranchising large segments of the electorate. Under this system, a candidate can win with less than a majority, leaving a significant portion of voters unrepresented. This not only undermines the democratic principle of majority rule but also fuels political polarisation and electoral disputes. In Pakistan, this has manifested in rigging allegations, public protests and political deadlock, with the 2018 and 2024 elections facing unprecedented controversies.

Political observers will no doubt say that the Fafen report should serve as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s political leadership to overhaul the electoral process. One proposed solution is to require candidates to secure more than 50 per cent of votes to win a seat. This would ensure that elected representatives truly reflect the will of the majority. However, experts caution that even this adjustment could be manipulated by those who have historically made elections controversial. Therefore, a piecemeal approach will not suffice. Comprehensive electoral reforms are necessary to address systemic flaws, restore public confidence and ensure that voters’ voices genuinely determine political power. Critics might argue that the FPTP system is still followed in many democracies without significant controversy. However, Pakistan’s political context is unique. Here, the FPTP system interacts with deeply entrenched power dynamics and historical grievances, leading to chronic political instability. The erosion of public trust in the electoral process is evident in growing questions about voter disenfranchisement and the legitimacy of elected governments.

Political parties must transcend partisan interests and engage in meaningful dialogue to overhaul the electoral system. This dialogue should address political differences and also focus on systemic issues like the economy and electoral process. The goal should be to ensure that elections resolve political crises rather than exacerbate them. If political parties fail to reach an agreement, the next elections – and those after – are likely to be even more contentious, undermining the democratic process. Pakistan stands at a critical juncture. The erosion of democratic norms and the disenfranchisement of voters cannot become the new normal. Political leaders must recognise that electoral legitimacy is the cornerstone of democracy. We need electoral reforms that align legislative representation with the voters’ will.