ETHNICITY AND VOTING BEHAVIOR IN PAKISTAN: A REVIEW OF ELECTION DATA
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Abstract
This article outlines how ethnicity influences voting behavior in Pakistan. The study uses election data (2008, 2013, and 2018) as empirical evidence to highlight how ethnicity shapes voting behavior across the provinces in Pakistan. Two political parties, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP), are considered for this review. MQM is an ethnic-based party in Karachi dominated by Muhajir. However, ANP is affiliated with Pakhtuns having presence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and Karachi. Data come for this study from three general elections, i.e., 2008, 2013 and 2018, showing how many votes have been secured by MQM and ANP as ethnic-based political parties. The analysis revealed that ethnicity is among Pakistan's most substantial factors influencing voting behavior.
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