The Struggle for Democracy: Lessons from Pakistan’s 2024 Elections
- Political and Economic Instability: The 2024 elections highlighted Pakistan's enduring struggles with political chaos, electoral mismanagement, and economic challenges, including rising poverty, inflation, and unemployment.
- Disillusionment and Accountability: Citizens are frustrated by manipulated systems, broken promises, and inequitable resource distribution, demanding accountability and effective leadership to restore trust in democracy.
- The Need for Visionary Leadership: Pakistan requires leaders with integrity, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to socio-economic upliftment to navigate its challenges and achieve sustainable progress.
Pakistan has been on an unsustainable trajectory for decades, facing persistent economic upheaval and political instability. The current situation reflects deeply entrenched issues, as nefarious objectives often dictate the country’s course. Aristotle aptly noted, “When there is injustice in a society, two people will not come into politics: the timid and the foolish.” Inaction, therefore, is not an option. Yet, the modern era has shown us numerous hybrid regimes, the overthrow of interim governments, and the formation of coalition setups, a cycle that continues to plague Pakistan’s political landscape.
The 2024 general elections brought forth surprising results, shaping an unexpected narrative. At the turn of the millennium, Pakistan experienced rapid economic growth and significant infrastructure development. However, this year’s elections revealed a different story—one that forces reflection on our lost glory and dimming hopes. The state and its citizens now stand at a crossroads. Every day feels like a “do or die” moment, and these elections tested the patience, enthusiasm, and energy of millions of Pakistanis. It culminated in a lethal mix of power struggles, authority disputes, and the relentless struggles of the common man.
This raises a critical question: Where do we stand as a nation? What do we want for Pakistan’s future? The year 2024 has been a sobering moment to ponder over our deteriorating state of affairs. Despite 77 years of independence, Pakistan remains mired in underdevelopment and unfulfilled promises. We are repeatedly told that the road to success is near, yet the reality paints a bleak picture of socio-economic instability and political unrest.
The aftermath of the 2024 elections witnessed citizens taking to the streets, demanding accountability and their fundamental right to elect and be represented. Slogans like “Vote Ko Izzat Do,” “Roti, Kapra Aur Makaan,” and “Kon Bachaye Ga Pakistan” echoed across the nation but rang hollow for many. The manipulation of electoral processes and the survival struggles of ordinary citizens have eroded faith in the system. To move forward, it is imperative to abide by constitutional laws and uphold the rights and freedoms of 240 million Pakistanis.
Pakistanis today resemble fictional characters in a tragic development arc, where deep-pocketed elites have always dominated the narrative. The 2024 election results further deepened this disillusionment, as voters questioned the worth of their participation in a flawed system. While frustration and anger are natural reactions, the laws of nature often work in mysterious ways. Pakistan finds itself in a precarious era where the lines between anarchy and stratocracy have blurred. Yet, the people possess a strong peripheral vision, knowing that the slogan “government of the people, by the people, for the people” has long been lost in the electoral processes of the country.
The need of the hour is a leader who can address pressing challenges like rising unemployment, mounting debts, inflation, poverty, and dwindling foreign exchange reserves. A true leader must possess a strong character, sharp problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence. Such a leader should be self-aware, empathetic, and focused on people’s development. They must motivate the masses, regulate themselves, and foster an environment of social and intellectual upliftment. Leaders should inspire others to lead, recognizing that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat their mistakes.
In Pakistan, general elections often feel like a double-edged sword. The populace must avoid exaggerating problems or underestimating them and instead call a spade a spade. The nation has tried multiple paths without finding one that leads to sustainable progress. The future of democracy in Pakistan reflects the collective anger and frustration of its citizens, built on decades of unfulfilled promises. Independent candidates frequently leverage popular support to achieve electoral gains, turning every election into an unprecedented race for power, vitality, and authority.
To change the tide, Pakistanis must elect leaders who can contribute to the nation’s intellectual growth and societal progress. Fear and despair have crippled the common man, but action is the cure for fear. The stark realities of electoral mismanagement have left the country reeling from economic deprivation and poverty, with the situation exacerbated by currency fluctuations and volatility in the stock exchange. The date February 8, 2024, will be remembered as a critical moment in Pakistan’s electoral history, as citizens demanded their right to vote and choose freely.
Unfortunately, the unwritten social contract between the state and its citizens continues to be manipulated by powerholders working behind closed doors. To reclaim agency, Pakistanis must make independent decisions, choosing leaders who can genuinely deliver on their promises. The focus should shift to transforming lives step by step over the next five years. As Pakistan pivots from geopolitics to geo-economics, the hope is that it will rise and shine like never before.
The 2024 elections tested the resilience and patience of ordinary Pakistanis. Expectations of leadership, commitment, and loyalty to the voters were met with bias, electoral rigging, and inequitable resource distribution. This has led to widespread disillusionment with the electoral process. However, this should not deter the nation from striving for a better future. The onus is on the people to elect leaders capable of addressing the root causes of Pakistan’s challenges, fostering socio-economic stability, and inspiring collective progress.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s journey remains one of immense potential marred by persistent obstacles. By prioritizing integrity, competence, and a vision for inclusive development, the nation can reclaim its lost glory and chart a path toward sustainable prosperity.
The author is a 5th-semester Journalism and Mass Communication student at the University of Peshawar. She has authored A Nostalgic Silence and co-authored three anthologies: Dreams and Delusions, Every Woman is Exceptional, and Whispers of Today.
