Electoral Participation:
Voter Turnout: The percentage of eligible voters who participate in elections is a critical indicator. For
instance, the 2008 elections saw a voter turnout of approximately 44%, while the 2013 elections had a
turnout of around 54%. Tracking these figures can illustrate the public's engagement with the democratic
process over time.
Frequency and Nature of Elections:
General Elections: Highlight the occurrence of three general elections (2002, 2008, and 2013) and their
significance in establishing a pattern of electoral democracy.
Local Elections: The conduct of local elections and their regularity can also indicate the health of
democracy at grassroots levels.
Legislative Activity:
Parliamentary Sessions: The number of regular and joint parliamentary sessions held, as well as the total
working days of the National Assembly, can reflect legislative productivity and engagement.
Bills Passed: The number of government and private member bills passed during each parliamentary
term can indicate the legislative effectiveness and responsiveness of the parliament.
Political Stability and Transitions:
Peaceful Transfers of Power: The transition of power from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) to the
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) after the 2013 elections is a significant milestone, marking the
first time an elected government completed its full term and transferred power peacefully.
Political Cooperation:
Coalition Governments: The formation of coalition governments and the willingness of political parties to
work together, especially in the context of the Charter of Democracy, can indicate the level of political
consensus and stability.
Judicial Independence:
Judicial Interventions: The role of the judiciary in upholding democratic norms, including landmark
rulings that have affected political leadership and governance, should be examined.
Civil Society Engagement:
Role of NGOs and Media: The involvement of civil society organizations and the media in promoting
democratic values, holding the government accountable, and fostering public discourse are crucial
indicators of a vibrant democracy.
Public Perception and Political Awareness:
Surveys and Polls: Public opinion surveys assessing citizens' trust in democratic institutions, political
parties, and electoral processes can provide insights into the overall health of democracy.
Constitutional Amendments:
18th Amendment: The implementation of the 18th Amendment in 2010, which devolved powers to
provinces and strengthened parliamentary democracy, should be highlighted as a significant
development in the constitutional framework.
Human Rights and Freedoms:
Civil Liberties: The protection of civil liberties, freedom of speech, and the right to assembly are
fundamental to democratic governance and should be assessed over the period.
