Youth more pessimistic, conservative and has lower morale
The British Council has compiled a report highlighting the political perspectives of the Pakistani youth and how they shape the dynamics of the upcoming general elections. Formulated over a period of time, “The Next Generation Goes to the Ballot Box” effectively conveys the chaotic state of affairs Pakistan is currently facing as inflation, terrorism, unemployment are on the rise and basic infrastructure, security and job opportunities continue to plummet. According to the report, “In 2007, 50 percent of the youth thought the country was heading in the wrong direction, today that figure is 94 percent.” Such statistics would tend to indicate that young people in Pakistan, who form the backbone of our society, are desperate for change and are actively seeking to vote. However, having witnessed their country, weathered by one political storm after another, from corrupt democracies to military dictatorships, “only 40 percent out of the 25 million registered youth voters are certain to vote, while 21 percent are undecided.”
Perhaps one of the most significant findings of the report is that Pakistani youth is facing an ideological divide. It would take an essentialist to claim that a single political party can appeal to the younger generation at large. Factors such as urbanisation, class divide, gender inequality and differences in education, shape individual voter’s political views. While the urbanised middle class would rally for democracy, the growing conservative elements favour an Islamic Sharia and individuals belonging to politically unstable zones prefer military rule. According to the statistics cited in the report “29 percent choose democracy, with men slightly less enthusiastic than women”, “32 percent choose military rule and 38 percent choose Islamic Shariah”, clearly indicating the lack of an overbearing majority preference. Although such a divide can ignite a debate about the political future of Pakistan, in the short term it indicates that any new form of government will be met with heavy criticism and disapproval.
In addition to people who actively refrain from voting, the report indicates that certain groups are alienated from the electoral process due to a lack of awareness. According to statistical data, underprivileged housewives, referred to as “char-diwari housewives” make up a substantial “third of the next generation”. Yet, being mostly uneducated, “disconnected from the outside world” and stifled by discriminatory gender norms, these women remain “politically disengaged” and have little or no intention of voting. For them, the energy crisis and mounting inflation are of paramount importance and broader issues such as corruption and nepotism take a back seat. In other words, any government that can provide them with the basic necessities of life will be favoured above all others. But first they need to be convinced to vote.
In its conclusion, the report suggests that political parties can determine their fate at the ballot box by mobilising a number of ambivalent, young, potential voters. However, politicians must “set out a transformative agenda, while connecting on an emotional level and speaking to people who have lived lives of deep insecurity”. As Pakistan stands on the brink of a demographic disaster—now is the time to deliver.
