Youth: silver lining on democratic horizon

Democracy in Pakistan is under shadow of political polarization, institutional clash and establishment's influence

ISLAMABAD:

Democracy in Pakistan is under looming shadow of political polarization, institutional clash and establishment's influence but political awareness has grown among citizens particularly young people who demand share in democratic governance.

It was reported by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) ahead of International Day of Democracy which tends to fall on Sept 15.

As per analytical report of PILDAT on the state of democracy in Pakistan during a period of one year right from International Day of Democracy 2023 to 2024, Pakistan's democracy has seen many developments without any real progress.

A delayed general election in Feb 2024 was found wanting on fairness and level playing field for all contestants. Legislatures elected through that have failed to utilize their clout to find real solutions to crises of governance.

All, however, is not bad news. Political awareness in citizens, especially in young people, has placed ultimate political power in the hands of the multitude who demand freedom in exercise of their right to choose who governs them as well as a share in democratic governance. This was especially evident in youth voter turnout which surged to its highest ever - 48% - in 2024, recording a substantial rise of 11 percentage points from 37% in 2018, pointed out the think tank.

With doors of traditional political participation in governance firmly shut for them, more and more young people have turned to social media for expression of their views and opinions.