Every year on September 15th, the world celebrates the International Day of Democracy, a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and practices globally. The day calls for reflection on the health of democracies, encouraging civic participation and freedom of expression. In Pakistan, this day holds particular significance, as the country grapples with a range of democratic challenges, including electoral integrity, low voter turnout, and growing concerns over the influence of non-elected institutions.
Celebrating Democracy Globally
Internationally, the Day of Democracy is marked by discussions, seminars, and actions to promote stronger democratic institutions. Countries with thriving democratic systems celebrate by reflecting on their achievements in ensuring free and fair elections, fostering inclusivity, and protecting civil liberties. The day also serves as a reminder that democracy is not just about holding elections but ensuring accountability, transparency, and participation at all levels.
Pakistan’s Democratic Struggles
While the spirit of democracy is celebrated worldwide, I observed Pakistan faces a more complex reality. The country, though boasting a long-standing parliamentary system, has seen repeated disruptions to its democratic process. Low voter turnout and allegations of electoral manipulation have become recurring issues, leading many to question the legitimacy of elected governments.
Unelected Influences in the Political Sphere
In Pakistan, democracy has often been overshadowed by the influence of non-elected institutions. The military’s involvement in politics has remained a sensitive subject, with claims of interference in election outcomes and government formation. Historically, military interventions have stalled Pakistan’s democratic journey, leaving the population wary of the true independence of their vote.
I covered elections in 2013, 2018 and than 2023. The elections in Pakistan have always question. The 2018 elections saw the rise of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. His government was hailed as a victory for the people’s choice. But, recent political events, including the ousting of his government through a vote of no confidence, have reignited concerns about whether the democratic process in Pakistan truly reflects the will of the people.
The arrest and persecution of PTI leaders, including their forceful removal from the parliament building, have raised troubling questions about the extent to which dissent is tolerated within the political landscape.
The 2023 Elections and the Form 47 Controversy
Its not ended yet… The 2023 general elections in Pakistan again became another flashpoint in the country’s turbulent democratic process. Allegations of manipulation and tampering with election results surfaced once again, with Form 47 at the center of the controversy. Form 47 is an official document used to compile and verify election results at polling stations. However, during the 2023 elections, many reports emerged of discrepancies between the initial polling station results and the final tallies submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan.
There were widespread claims that results were altered overnight, with polling agents reporting one set of figures, only to see different numbers published the following day. This raised suspicions of behind-the-scenes interference, possibly orchestrated by non-elected forces. Political parties, including the opposition, voiced strong concerns that the will of the people had been subverted once again. The credibility of the election was further marred by delays in result announcements, fueling protests and demands for transparency. These issues have deepened the public’s mistrust in the electoral process, leaving a significant portion of the population disillusioned with democracy in Pakistan.
As these events unfolded, the arrest of PTI leaders and crackdowns on dissent only further highlighted the challenges of sustaining a genuine democratic process in the country. The 2023 elections are now viewed as a critical juncture, one that underscored the urgent need for reforms to restore electoral integrity and ensure the people’s voice is truly represented in Pakistan’s democracy.
Low Voter Turnout: A Symptom of Disenchantment
Besides above mentioned, another pressing issue facing Pakistan’s democracy is the low voter turnout during elections. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) voter turnout in the 2013 general elections was recorded at 55.02%. The 2018 general elections witnessed a voter turnout of only about 51%, a sharp contrast to the enthusiasm that often accompanies democratic transitions.
In Pakistan’s 12th General Elections 2024 the voter turnout recorded was 48%.
This raises the question: Why are so many eligible voters opting to stay away from the polling stations?
Many argue that this apathy stems from a lack of trust in the system. Persistent allegations of vote-rigging, election engineering, and coercion have led to widespread disillusionment. When citizens believe that their votes do not carry weight in determining leadership, they are less likely to engage in the democratic process. Furthermore, the growing sense of inequality and unaddressed grievances, particularly in rural areas, fuels a perception that their voice matters little in the grander scheme of governance.
Military role in “Stealing” the People’s Choice
One of the most controversial elements in Pakistan’s democratic journey is the role of the military in influencing the political process. Over the years, there have been numerous accusations of the military interfering in elections, sometimes overtly, sometimes behind the scenes. Many believe that the military plays a decisive role in determining which political party rises to power, effectively “stealing” the people’s choice.
This perception was most notably exacerbated during the 2023 elections, where PTI’s rise was often linked to alleged military backing. As Imran Khan’s government was removed, the subsequent actions, such as the arrest of PTI leaders from parliament and public crackdowns on protests, further fueled suspicions that non-elected forces remain a powerful player in shaping Pakistan’s political landscape.
A Message from Leadership
Prime Minister and President of Pakistan today issued their statement on importance of democracy, echoing sentiments of hope and resilience for a stronger future. In a recent statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for electoral reforms and the promotion of inclusivity to ensure a fair and just system. President Asif Zardari , meanwhile, has called for national unity and emphasized the importance of upholding the constitution in ensuring that Pakistan remains a democracy.
Despite these affirmations, the challenges remain immense. True democracy cannot be achieved simply through words—it requires systemic changes that restore faith in the electoral process and foster genuine political participation.
Lasty Final Call for Real Democracy
As we celebrate the International Day of Democracy, it is crucial to reflect on the state of democracy in Pakistan. While the people of Pakistan continue to aspire for a true democratic system, they face formidable obstacles, including military interference, low voter turnout, and suppression of dissent. The arrests of political leaders and the sidelining of public opinion demonstrate the distance the country still needs to travel to achieve a democracy that is truly for the people.
This day serves as a reminder that democracy is not simply about holding elections but about ensuring that those elections reflect the true will of the people. For all of us as Pakistan have to move forward, it must address these challenges head-on, empowering its citizens and ensuring that their voices are not only heard but respected.
