Pre and Post Pakistan’s 2024 Elections Scenario: Political Engineering, Electoral Dynamics, and Democratic Trajectories

Abstract

With an emphasis on the interaction of institutional meddling, popular opposition, and political engineering, this paper examines the political and electoral processes surrounding Pakistan's general elections in 2024. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was systematically suppressed throughout the pre-election period, with its leadership being legally disqualified, its electoral symbol being denied, and media blackouts occurring. Notwithstanding these initiatives, independent candidates supported by the PTI won a sizable number of seats, indicating that voters, particularly young people, are becoming more politically aware and defiant. Disparities in vote tallying, delayed result statements, and internet shutdowns were among the anomalies that plagued the election day. Perceptions of electoral fraud were heightened when a coalition government was formed after the election that did not include candidates supported by the PTI. The study's qualitative thematic analysis shows that, although institutional bias and elite influence continue to limit Pakistan's democratic framework, a politically active and technologically mobilized populace is posing a growing threat. In order to achieve true democratic consolidation in Pakistan, the paper's conclusion suggests improvements in the areas of media freedom, judicial independence, electoral transparency, and civil-military balance.