Andrew Wilder and Moeed Yusuf assess the turnout and results of the first Pakistan election in which a civilian government recognized as democratically elected completed a full term and will hand over to another democratically elected civilian administration.
In the wake of Pakistan’s general elections held on May 11, USIP experts comment on the vote’s high turnout and discuss the significance of the elections for Pakistan’s democratic future. It was the first Pakistan election in which a civilian government recognized as democratically elected completed a full term and will hand over to another democratically elected civilian administration.
Andrew Wilder, director of USIP’s Afghanistan and Pakistan programs, noted that the high rates of voter participation indicate the public is rejecting militant demands. He said:
“On May 11th approximately 50 million Pakistanis turned out to vote, braving threats of violent attacks by the Pakistani Taliban to stop voters from casting their ballots. The estimated 60 percent turnout rate has only been exceeded once before in Pakistan’s first democratic national elections in 1970, and this resounding rejection of the demands of militants not to vote strongly signals the strong preference of most Pakistanis for a democratic future.”
Watching the events in Pakistan, USIP South Asia Advisor Moeed Yusuf was encouraged by the high level of involvement despite violence in parts of the country during the run-up to election day:
“In what were easily the most unpredictable elections in Pakistan's history, the sense of excitement and involvement was just fantastic to watch. Democracy has been the real winner!”
Yusuf also commented on the results of the elections, which news reports say appear to give a majority to the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) of former two-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Yusuf said:
“The ranking of the parties was largely expected, but the margin of victory for PML-N was rather surprising. Overall, a good mix of results, which will force the main parties to work together.”
On May 14, USIP will hosted a public discussion, “Pakistan's 2013 Elections: Assessing the Results and Impacts.” The panel discussion featured Safiya Ghori-Ahmad from the Pakistan Desk at the U.S. Department of State; Arif Rafiq, adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute; and Moeed Yusuf and Andrew Wilder.