ELECTIONS 2018: AN ANALYSIS OF PERFORMANCE OF PTI IN SARGODHA

Abstract

This article analyzes the electoral politics of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the influential district of Sargodha, Punjab, during the 2018 general elections. Given its significance as a crucial electoral arena, the results of Sargodha reflected wider national patterns and voter attitudes. This research commences by providing a retrospective of the political environment in the district, emphasizing election results and the demographic changes that impacted voter conduct in 2018. Drawing on primary sources by using quantitative data obtained from election results, this article analyses the vote share of PTI in relation to its primary rivals, namely PML-N and PPP. While the secondary sources including newspapers and articles used for qualitative analysis. This analysis examines the elements that have contributed to the electoral politics of PTI, such as the party’s campaign tactics, grassroots mobilization initiatives, and the influence of national leadership narratives advocated by Imran Khan. The results indicated a notable change in partisan affiliation, influenced by dissatisfaction with conventional political parties and a strong desire for transformation. The attraction of PTI was primarily driven by key concerns such as selections of candidates, low public support to candidates and strong footholds of other political parties which strongly resonated with the electorate’s need. In addition, the internal party disputes and post-election governance expectations.