ELECTORAL PERFORMANCE OF JAMAAT-E-ISLAMI IN PAKISTAN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ELECTIONS 2013 AND 2018

Abstract

Elections serve as democracy's cornerstone, reflecting the will of the populace. In Pakistan, where religious parties wield influence, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) holds a prominent position. This paper explores JI's electoral performance in the elections 2013 and 2018, blending data analysis and qualitative examination. It dissects JI's strategies, strengths, and vulnerabilities amidst evolving Pakistani politics, analyzing campaign messaging, coalition dynamics and grassroots mobilization. Additionally, it scrutinizes JI's ideological alignment with voters among competing narratives, aiming to unveil its adaptability and political relevance. The study deepens understanding of Islamic political movements in Pakistan, shedding light on their role within the democratic framework and offering insights into religion, politics, and governance in Muslim-majority societies. Through systematic comparison and critical evaluation, it contributes to nuanced comprehension and facilitates informed discourse on Pakistan's political landscape. Ultimately, by assessing JI's trajectory, this paper illuminates broader implications for democratic processes and religious-political dynamics in diverse contexts.