An urge for political overhaul!
Pakistan has a history of a tumultuous political landscape with frequent transitions between civilian and military governments and a persistent lack of transparency and accountability. The country has seen the ruling elite, often from powerful political families, prioritizing their interests over the people they are to serve, resulting in a dysfunctional and ineffective political system, with citizens feeling powerless and disenfranchised. Given the fact that the present political system is plagued by corruption, nepotism and a lack of political will to bring about meaningful change, the country is in dire need of a political transformation, a shift towards a more democratic and accountable system of governance that will be beneficial for the general public.
A recent Gallup Pakistan survey has demonstrated a shift in the public’s perception of the country’s political figures, the government’s economic output and the potential backing of a new party. Imran Khan, the opposition leader, is significantly ahead of Mian Nawaz Sharif and PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto in terms of approval rating, with a score of 61% compared to their 36% ratings. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif follows with a rating of 32%, while Maryam Nawaz only marginally surpasses her uncle with a 34% rating.The commonly accepted opinion that Khan’s reputation has risen considerably since his removal from office through a parliamentary vote of no-confidence in the preceding year has been affirmed via this survey.
In a Gallup survey conducted in January 2022, his approval rating was 36%. Since PML-N assumed power and handled the coalition government in April last year, there has been a substantial decline in the positive sentiment regarding the Sharifs. The last year’s Gallup survey indicated that the favourable rating of Nawaz Sharif was 55%. Shahbaz Sharif attained a majority with a vote share of 51%. This trend of a shift in public opinion indicates the complications associated with incumbency.
In contrast to this, the public is inclined to view political leaders in a more favourable light when not in office than in government. Unsurprisingly, this phenomenon is experienced globally. Although incumbency does not necessarily result in declining approval ratings, it is not certainly an indicator of approval. When there is a feeling of dissatisfaction among the public due to the perceived incompetence of leaders and governments, the result is often a loss of confidence. The decline in favourability ratings results from an evaluation of the performance of political leaders against the expectations of the populace.
The Gallop Survey 2023 has indicated that respondents blamed financial insecurity and inflation for current issues. 62% of the public accuses the current ruling coalition of the economy’s decline, not the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. This shows how much PDM parties’ electoral support has dropped due to their incumbency and the public’s disapproval of the alliance’s economic management. The dismal economy is causing widespread distress, according to alarming poll results. About 20% of respondents claimed to have been unemployed in the past six months.
This survey suggests a need for political change as its main conclusion. It showed that most participants supported forming a new political party with honest and knowledgeable members. 53% of respondents said they would switch major parties. This found that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf voters were most willing to swap parties. This supports political experts’ anecdotal observations of people’s dissatisfaction with PDM-PTI conflict. The public’s view of traditional political parties was bound to suffer from the protracted political strife. With television and social media fuelling these fights and their divisive rhetoric, it’s no wonder more people are disinclined.
Two of the three big parties have remained relevant for an extended period. However, they lack energy and dynamism, failing to execute public interest or expectation-based plans. Despite their dynastic nature, these parties have been unable to attract younger voters who could impact the election. Both parties must transform to stay present in Pakistan. The public may view the three main political parties as unable to solve Pakistan’s complex and persistent problems because they haven’t offered any programs or policies. Despite leading leaders’ ratings, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) may be seen as no different from other groups. Despite the risks of over interpreting the survey, it appears the public wants a new political option or transformation, possibly indicating a wish to change the status quo.
It is conceivable that a novel political party could come into being, yet the short-term feasibility of such an event is circumscribed. A primary factor is that most national political parties have, with very few exceptions (i.e., Jamaat-e-Islami), been erected around high-profile individuals and, in many cases, have become a vehicle for the furtherance of the ambitions of said person. If parties adhere to the precedent of centring leadership, there is currently no discernible individual on the political landscape who has the potential to form a new party. It is conceivable that a new party could emerge and develop over time. Still, for it to be a break from the past, it would have to be based on principles and policy rather than personalities and thus be able to develop into a contemporary organization.
—The writer works as a researcher with the Arms Control and Disarmament Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad.
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