DETERMINANTS OF ELECTORAL CHOICES IN TEHSIL DAGGAR: THE ROLE OF PARTY MANIFESTOS AND FAMILY INFLUENCE

Abstract

This research paper examines the factors influencing voter behavior in Tehsil Daggar, District Buner, during the 2021 local government elections, with a focus on the role of party manifestos and family connections. Given the unique socio-cultural context of rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the study aims to provide insights into how these factors shape electoral decisions among different age groups. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, the study collected data through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to a sample of 382 male voters, selected via the Krejcie and Morgan formula and simple random sampling. The research found that party manifestos significantly impact voting behavior, with younger voters (18-25 years) showing notable engagement, while older age groups exhibited varying levels of influence. Family connections also played a crucial role, with differing impacts across age groups. Data analysis, performed using SPSS version 21, revealed that while party manifestos influence voting decisions to varying extents, family connections remain a significant factor in shaping electoral choices, particularly among younger and older voters. The study’s findings highlight the importance of understanding local electoral dynamics and offer implications for political parties and policymakers to tailor their strategies effectively. The results contribute to the broader understanding of electoral behavior in rural settings and underscore the need for targeted campaign approaches that address the specific preferences and influences present in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.