Omar Shahid Hamid’s latest novel, The Election, crafts a razor-sharp political satire that spans two continents. It presents a captivating narrative that debunks the glamour traditionally associated with the American Dream, mocking the idealised notion of democracy and revealing its imperfect face amidst the chaos of dirty politics.

I was struck by the smooth flow of the story and its striking relevance to the current socio-political climate, both locally and internationally. Presenting a realistic portrayal of the corruption embedded in political and economic systems across the East and the West, the author delivers a sharp satire of governing bodies. His detailed descriptions of the United States and Pakistan are remarkably accurate and evocative.

The Election is a compelling piece of writing that pushes readers to think beyond the obvious and reflect deeply on the nature of performative politics in contemporary times. In a world where elections often feel like entertainment and ideology takes a back seat, the novel serves not just as a critique but as a mirror.

To keep the narrative engaging, Hamid weaves in a touch of romance, adding levity without overwhelming the audience.

Omar Shahid Hamid burst onto the Pakistani literary scene in 2014 with his debut novel, The Prisoner, a gritty crime thriller that exposed the inner workings of one of the country’s most reviled and misunderstood institutions: the police. Since the publication of The Prisoner, Hamid has been praised for his matter-of-fact, take-no-prisoners approach to storytelling. Despite his personal ties to law enforcement, he portrays the police with all their flaws, presenting Karachi in all its raw, gritty realism.

Hamid was shortlisted for the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature, alongside noted authors such as Khaled Hosseini, Kamila Shamsie and Bilal Tanweer. His work has been widely cited and featured in several major international publications, including The New York Times, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Times, Le Monde, Reuters, CNN and the BBC.

“All Waj has ever wanted, from the day he left Pakistan to go to college in Iowa, was to live his American dream; a life in the bright lights of celebrity and showbiz in New York City. His world is upended when he crosses paths with Ron Diamond, retired pornstar, real estate mogul and reality TV guru, on the day that Ron decides to take on the biggest reality show on the planet: an American presidential election.”

The ever-elusive promise of transformation is what keeps citizens hoping.

The Election is recommended for readers who wish to stay engaged with debates surrounding identity, race and the struggles of South Asian immigrants. While the theme may initially seem familiar, the unfolding of aspirations from individuals in the Global South is worthy of serious attention. At a time when a significant portion of the youth has already left the country in search of better opportunities abroad, understanding the reasons behind this mass migration becomes all the more important. He writes, “People who have lost their children to the West. Because the world we made here, the Pakistan that our generation made, was lousy. It is corrupt and venal and unequal.” The internally weakened system of Pakistan calls for urgent intervention – through the introduction of newer policies and robust governing structures. At times like these, all a nation yearns for is: change. The ever-elusive promise of transformation is what keeps its citizens hoping.

In The Election, Hamid constructs a biting replica of the political systems of both Pakistan and the United States. He exposes the underlying mechanics at play while people continue to wait – almost helplessly – for a revolutionary shift in the state of affairs. One wonders: who it will be? Who is the Godot destined to save us from the miseries of this bankrupt nation? Will it be Ron Diamond, a retired porn star? Will it be Javed Afridi, a smooth-talking populist and former footballer? Can the charisma of men with no practical understanding of how countries function how their political institutions operate be enough?

These characters bear an uncanny resemblance to some real-world political figures of our times. Beneath the laughter and satire lies a sharp truth: in both countries, democracy has become a brand – a distant ideal – while the people have been reduced to cheerleaders and uninformed participants. By placing the USA and Pakistan side by side, The Election dismantles the illusion that Western democracies are immune to the dysfunctions that plague the developing world.

The Election

Author: Omar Shahid Hamid

Publisher: Liberty

Publishing

Pages: 340

Price: Rs 1,495

The reviewer is a lecturer for BS English language and literature at Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore