The Elections Of 2018: An Elite Capture

Abstract

In Pakistan, elite capture is often pervasive and deeply entrenched in various aspects of the society and economy. The Political elite, the wealthy individuals, and the powerful interest groups tend to dominate decision-making processes, economic opportunities, and resources, resulting in a system where a small elite group extracts disproportionate benefits while the majority of the population struggles with poverty, lack of access to basic services, and limited opportunities for advancement. Elite capture is also evident in the electoral history of Pakistan, where elites have always tried[1] to secure their interest through political engineering. The General Elections of 2018 also show various evidences of elite capture in Pakistan. This study aims to explore the tentacles of elite capture in these elections. This study is qualitative in nature, based on both primary as well as secondary data. Procedurally, primary data has been collected through interviews conducted with experts in the relevant field, which has then been analyzed through the technique of thematic analysis. Philosophically, the study adopts a relativist ontological and subjectivist epistemological position. The study finds that the General Elections of 2018 exemplify elite capture, where different elite classes preserved their interests by manipulating the voting behaviors of the people. The study further suggests a need for transparency, fair and free elections, the rule of law, political awareness, and a well-responsive political culture in the country.