Elections
1. Introduction / Definition
Elections are the formal processes through which citizens select their
representatives or express policy preferences. According to Joseph
Schumpeter, “Democracy is the method by which individuals acquire the
power to decide by means of a competitive struggle for the people’s vote.”
Elections are the cornerstone of democratic legitimacy, providing a
mechanism for participation and accountability.
2. Historical & Conceptual Background
Ancient Roots: Electoral systems existed in limited forms in Greek
city-states and the Roman Republic, mostly for elite participation.
Modern Evolution: With the rise of liberal democracy in the 18th–
19th centuries (e.g., US, UK), elections expanded through mass
suffrage and secret ballots.
Global Examples: Universal suffrage became a norm after WWII;
India’s post-independence elections exemplify large-scale democratic
mobilization.
Islamic Perspective: The concept of Shura (consultation) parallels
participatory decision-making, emphasizing consensus rather than
mere voting.
3. Key Principles / Theories
Principles:
1. Universal Adult Suffrage: Every citizen above a legal age can vote.
2. Free & Fair: Elections must be conducted impartially, without coercion
or fraud.
3. Periodic & Regular: To ensure government accountability.
4. Competitive: Multiple parties or candidates must contest freely.
📊 Flowchart: Electoral Process Simplified
Citizens → Voter Registration → Campaigning → Voting → Counting →
Declaration of Results → Formation of Government
4. Practical Examples
🌍 International:
India (2014 General Elections): Smooth transfer of power
demonstrating large-scale democratic participation.
US (2020 Presidential Elections): High voter turnout amid
pandemic; legal challenges tested institutional robustness.
🇵🇰 Pakistan:
2013 & 2018 Elections: Highlight issues like vote rigging allegations,
elite dominance, and electoral reforms (ECP oversight).
Local Government Elections: Varying success in promoting citizen
participation at grassroots levels.
5. Comparisons
Western
Aspect Islamic Perspective
Democracies
Universal, equal
Participation Emphasis on Shura, moral consent
suffrage
Institutional Independent election Religious or advisory councils may
Support commissions guide decisions
Regular, enforceable Leadership expected to ensure justice
Accountability
through courts and consultative governance
6. Criticism / Evaluation
✅ Strengths:
Provides legitimacy and peaceful mechanism for leadership change.
Encourages citizen engagement and political awareness.
Serves as a tool for policy mandate and accountability.
❌ Weaknesses:
Manipulation / Electoral Fraud: Ballot rigging or biased
commissions undermine democracy (Pakistan, some African nations).
Money & Elite Politics: Campaign financing favors wealthy or
established elites, reducing equity.
Populism / Short-termism: Candidates focus on immediate voter
appeasement instead of sustainable policy (e.g., subsidies, slogan-
driven campaigns).
Scholarly Views:
Joseph Schumpeter emphasized elections as a competitive method, not
necessarily for achieving the ‘common good.’
Huntington warned that rapid social change without institutional
maturity makes elections fragile and potentially destabilizing.
7. Teacher’s Corner / Exam Strategy
Likely Questions:
o “Explain the concept and functions of elections in a democracy.”
o “Critically evaluate Pakistan’s electoral system with examples.”
o “Compare electoral practices in Western democracies and Islamic
contexts.”
Answer Strategy:
1. Start with definition + quote (Schumpeter).
2. Give historical context (UK, US, Pakistan).
3. Explain principles → insert flowchart.
4. Practical examples (Pakistan + international).
5. Comparative analysis table.
6. Criticism + scholarly views.
7. Conclude with relevance to CSS exam focus (reforms,
accountability, challenges).
📌 Key Quote:
"Elections are not merely instruments of choosing rulers; they are a method
to institutionalize political participation and legitimize governance." —
Huntington
