Pakistan Elections 2018: An Analysis of Trends, Recurring Themes and Possible Political Scenarios

July 3, 2018

Discussion Paper

Dr. Saeed Shafqat

Abstract

Politics in Pakistan like many developing societies is confrontational, personalized and acrimonious, yet electoral contestations provides an opportunity for resolving divides through bargain, compromise and consensus. On 25th July 2018 Pakistani voters will be choosing new national and provincial assemblies for the next five years. Forecasting electoral outcomes is hazardous, yet this paper ventures to provide an appraisal of some key issues, current trends, and recurring themes and based on an analysis of limited data and survey of literature and news reports presents a few scenarios about the potential losers and winners in the forthcoming elections.

Citations