Similarities dominate election manifestos

This week, 128.5 million Pakistanis, representing over half the country’s population, will get a chance to cast their ballot to choose their government for the fourth time since 2008. This marks a significant milestone in the nation’s democratic journey, having emerged from a decade of General Musharaf’s Martial rule. The actual turnout will only be evident after the election day. Several observers are not optimistic and anticipate a low participation rate. Factors such as alienation owing to perceived inequality in the electoral process, delayed manifesto announcements, and a lack of clear distinction among political parties based on their election programme may discourage people from showing up at polling centres on election day. A manifesto is a document that serves three purposes: demystifying a party’s politics, solidifying its support base and enticing neutrals. Despite the less-than-impressive track record of all three pan-Pakistan parties, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), each, having been in power before, is well aware of the challenges facing Pakistan.