Factors Affecting Voting Behavior in Darya Khan A Case Study of

General Elections 2018

Nisar Ahmed1

Abstract

This research examines the complex factors shaping voter decisions in Darya Khan
during the 2018 general election, including leadership, religion, political campaigns, and
demographics. By employing a survey technique with a self-structured questionnaire and
rigorous data analytic methodologies, this study reveals noteworthy associations between voting
patterns and other independent variables, it reveals that leadership skills and party manifestos
significantly influence voter preferences, while religion has a subtler but large impact.
Demographic factors, such as gender, age, urban-rural divide, income, and occupation, show
notable variations in voting behavior. Urban voters differ from rural ones, and gender plays a
substantial role. This study contributes valuable insights into electoral dynamics, helping
scholars, policymakers, and the public better understand the complexities of voting behavior.

Keywords: Voting Behavior, Darya Khan, Democracy, Political Participation, Social Identity,
Electoral Process, Political Influence, Socioeconomic Factors.

Introduction;

Voting behavior is a critical aspect of democratic governance, reflecting the preferences,

beliefs, and influences that shape how individuals and groups make electoral choices. In
countries like Pakistan, where socio-cultural factors play a significant role in shaping voting
patterns, understanding these dynamics is essential for strengthening democratic institutions and
promoting fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes. By studying voting behavior at
both the national and local levels, such as in regions like Darya Khan, we can gain valuable

1
M.Phil Scholar. Department of Political Science, Qurtuba University of Science & Information Technology,
Pakistan.

37
insights into the factors that drive electoral outcomes and inform future political strategies and
policies aimed at enhancing democratic participation.

Voting Behavior

Voting behavior refers to how individuals or groups vote in elections, influenced by a

variety of factors, including political beliefs socioeconomic status, personal experiences, and
education. It encompasses the preferences, patterns, and decisions that voters exhibit when
selecting candidates or supporting specific policies. Voting trends help us understand how people
wish to shape society through their participation in elections at local, provincial, or national
levels. This behavior is a critical component of political participation in democratic societies
(Leighley & Nagler, 1992; Anderson & Stephenson, 2010).

The Role of Voting Behavior in Democracy

Voting is fundamental to democracy, allowing citizens to connect with elected officials

and participate in shaping government policies that affect their daily lives. It influences the
makeup of the legislative and executive branches, determining the direction of public policy. By
studying voting behavior, scholars, policymakers, and strategists gain insights into the principles
guiding democratic systems, which is essential for ensuring that governance remains accountable
and reflective of the public's will (Campbell & David, 2008; Sides et al., 2011). Voting behavior
is crucial in democratic systems because it reflects public opinion and serves as a catalyst for
policy changes. Democracy thrives when citizens participate actively, and voting is one of the
most direct ways to engage in the political process. Voters’ decisions are shaped by various
factors, including economic background, education, political ideology, and personal values.
Understanding these motivations helps us appreciate how individuals make complex political
choices, especially in democracies where voter participation ensures the legitimacy of elected
officials (Anglin, 1998; Lednum, 2006).

Voting Trends on the National Level

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 Pakistan has a complex social stricter having a variety of cultures, people differ
culturally, socially, and religiously so in other words it is not one nation which creates distance
between the ruler and the ruled. So, the voting trends in Pakistan differ from area to area and
culture to culture. Pakistan depends on foreign resources for its economic and defense
challenges. This results in foreign influence in the domestic matters of Pakistan (Ziring, 2005).
In countries like Pakistan, where the political landscape is complex and diverse, understanding
voting behavior at a national level is vital. Pakistan has held multiple elections since its creation,
with various political parties competing for power. Voters in Pakistan often base their decisions
on factors such as issue-based voting, candidate personality, and performance. Additionally,
socio-cultural influences like the biraderi system and religion significantly impact voting choices
in certain regions (Askari & Shafi, 2013).

Voting Behavior in Punjab, Pakistan

Punjab, the most populous province in Pakistan, plays a pivotal role in the nation's
elections. The voting patterns in Punjab, influenced by local political culture and socio-economic
factors, are crucial for any party looking to form a government. Biraderism, caste clusters, and
personal loyalty to political leaders are significant influences on voting behavior in the region.
The province has a long history of biraderi-based politics, where voters align with candidates
based on clan and caste affiliations (Tariq & Alamgir, 2013). The 2013 general elections in
Punjab revealed that many voters supported candidates based on their biraderi connections rather
than party policies. In District Layyah, for example, the biraderi system played a significant role
in determining electoral outcomes, with voters more inclined to support candidates from their
biraderi (Yusufazai, 2016).

Voting Behavior and the Global Agenda

Voting behavior research aligns closely with the United Nations' Agenda 2030,
particularly with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which aims to promote peace,
justice, and strong institutions. Understanding how people vote helps identify barriers to political

39
participation, such as social inequality and lack of access to information. By studying voting
behavior, policymakers can design more inclusive electoral systems that reflect diverse societal
voices, thus fostering a more just and equitable political landscape (Akhtar, 2016; Ahmed, 2017).
In countries like Pakistan, where elections are often influenced by socio-cultural factors,
strengthening democratic institutions through voter education and political accountability is
essential for achieving SDG 16. The 2018 general elections in Pakistan, for instance, were
influenced by factors like religion, leadership attributes, and socio-cultural dynamics,
underscoring the need for issue-based politics to reduce clientelism and enhance electoral
accountability (Shah & Majeed, 2022).

Historical Evolution of the Electoral System in Pakistan

Pakistan's electoral system has undergone significant changes since its independence in
1947. The country has experienced periods of both civilian rule and military dictatorship, each
leaving its mark on the political landscape. The democratic transitions in 2013 and 2018, marked
by peaceful transfers of power through elections, were important milestones in strengthening the
country's democratic institutions. However, understanding current voting patterns and electoral
behaviors requires acknowledging the historical legacies that continue to shape voter preferences
(Ahmed, 2002).

Traditional Voting Methods in Pakistan

Traditional voting methods, such as in-person voting at polling stations, have long been
the backbone of Pakistan's electoral process. Despite the challenges of rigging accusations and
logistical issues in rural areas, traditional voting continues to play a vital role in democratic
participation. However, these methods also highlight the need for reforms to ensure
transparency, reduce voter manipulation, and improve access for all citizens, especially in remote
regions like Punjab (Yusufazai, 2016).

Political Landscape of Darya Khan

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 Darya Khan, a tehsil in District Bhakkar, Darya Khan is an ideal illustration of Pakistan's
broader political landscape. Punjab serves as a microcosm of Pakistan's broader political
environment. Its population is 360,427, 280006 in rural areas, and 80421 in urban areas. Its area
is 1719 km² (Pakistan Bureau of Statistics Census, 2017). Darya Khan is in Sargodha Division,
which is situated in western Punjab. Darya Khan is on the boundary wall of Punjab and Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, so its culture has a variety of Punjabi Saraiki and Pakhtun culture remixes.
Various political parties are competing to control the electorate in Tehsil Darya Khan. There are
both local and national politicians in the mix, establishing a complex political environment that
makes voting decisions more challenging. Civil society and community organizations are
essential in fostering transformative change and generating public conversation. Issues that
reflect the needs and ideals of the community, such as healthcare, education, infrastructure
development, and environmental protection, are at the top of politics in Darya Khan.
One national assembly seat and one provincial assembly seat are present in the Darya Khan
region. In the General elections, 2018 on the national assembly seat (NA 97) Sana Ullah Khan
Masti Khail got 121019 votes and succeeded as an independent candidate. While runner-up was
Majeed Khan Khanan Khail who got 91821 votes, he was a candidate for Pakistan Muslim
League N (PML N). On the Provincial level (PP 90) Saeed Akbar Khan Niwani got 59490 votes
and succeeded as an independent leader. Irfan Ullah Khan Niazi of (PML N) was in 2nd number
scoring 45026 votes. Both National and provincial candidates joined PTI later on.

Literature Review

While everyone agrees that elections are vital, there is specific significance in elections in
Pakistan. Elections were responsible for either Pakistan's government creation or dissolution. A
key concept in democracies is voting behavior. It explains the motivations underlying voters'
ballot casting and the method by which they make choices about their votes (Nadeem & Bashir,
2020).

Factors Affecting Voting Behavior

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Biraderism

Biraderism denotes a social and political phenomenon found in South Asia including
Pakistan, where clan tribal or kinship connections called ‘biraderis’ dominate sociopolitical
existence. The term “biraderi” means extended family or clans with similar genealogy (Fatima &
Akhtar, 2022). In Pakistan, the social structure of kinship and brotherhood, referred to as
"biraderism," greatly influences voting patterns. Political allegiances, familial connections, and
economic situations are all interconnected. The politics of individuals are involved in Pakistan,
and the democratic government process is shaped by fundamental social structures such as
familial linkage, group, biraderies, and cast. These groups shape a person's behavior and opinion,
mainly in elections while electing a representative (Ahmad, 2020). In Pakistan, the tradition of
close familial bonds significantly influences voting behavior. In households with a hierarchical
structure, elders often wield significant power, leading to the passing down of political views to
younger generations. Elderly individuals' political decisions create a chain reaction that
influences younger generations, fostering a shared commitment to politics (Nadeem & Bashir,
2020). \

In a survey done in Multan City, about 30.8% of respondents were compelled to vote for
a certain candidate or party by their families, which means that family has a significant influence
in deciding voting preferences (Ahmad 2020). Furthermore, a study of the 2013 elections in
District Layyah discovered that 34.4% of respondents voted for a party chosen by their biraderi
and family members. Their own voting decision was thus impacted by their parents' choices.
Voting behavior in Punjabi groups in Pakistan is mostly influenced by a person's family history
and connection with large extended clan groups, or "biradaris." A further significant element is
the "quom," which is a wider collection of people with common ancestors. These organizations
often impact voters' preferences by encouraging the support of particular political parties and
politicians (Anwar, 2016).

Mass Media

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 Mass media means communication through different channels that can impact the
masses. (Green et al., 2009). A systematized form of communication that quickly covers a large
audience is commonly referred to as mass media These include newspapers, radio, television,
and the internet, it can be an avenue for political discourse during elections, debates among party
members or candidates, and discussions among citizens about public issues (McQuail, 2005). In
democratic societies, media is seen as a representative of the public, and it plays a crucial role in
shaping public opinion, providing awareness about government strategies, and highlighting
important public issues (Masood & Hassan, 2020). Electronic media is widely regarded as the
foremost instrument for political campaigns in America. Hence, political parties in the nation
frequently commit over fifty percent of their campaign funds to electronic media for election
campaigns. Europe experiences a similar situation (Biswas & Roy, 2014). The proliferation of
social media has also been witnessed in rural areas of Punjab, and it is also affecting voting
behavior in rural areas (Gul & Khan, 2017). These days, political advertisements seek to
educate, inspire, and spark voters' interest in establishing a sense of ownership, especially for
participation in the democratic process on Election Day (Kamran, 2009).

Religion

Using faith and religious attachments as a voting determinant is referred to as the

religious factor that determines how people vote. Political candidates or parties may choose to
work closely with certain religious organizations or promote policies that support those beliefs to
attract votes from those communities .In Pakistan, as well as in other countries of the world,
people's voting choices are significantly influenced by their religious beliefs. This essay
examines how religious institutions, values, and beliefs influence voters' political decisions. (Gul
& Khan, 2017). The confluence of politics and religion within Pakistan is profoundly embedded
in the nation's socio-cultural framework, influencing electoral conduct, candidate nomination,
and policy agendas. Religions influence political views; they affect political attitudes as a result
of the value system (Butt & Awan, 2017). Religious preferences are significant for the masses,
particularly in rural areas and regions where religion holds sway in socioeconomic activities. In
these areas, leaders often present themselves as representatives of religion, making it an

43
attractive aspect of their appeal. Furthermore, religious affiliation and political campaigns
influence individuals' voting decisions In South Asia, for example, most voters support political
candidates who share their language and adhere to the same religious practices (Waseem, 2006).
Religion and religious views have consistently motivated individuals to support specific
politicians, groups, ideologies, or parties (Lawrence 2002)

Money Politics, Patronage and Clientelism

Clientelism can be described as a form of instrumental friendship where a person of

higher socioeconomic status (the patron) provides protection and various benefits to a person of
lower status (the client) in exchange for general support or personal services from the client. In
Pakistan, clientlism is a significant determinant of voting behavior (Farmanullah et al., 2015).
Another critical component is patronage, which is when political leaders give jobs, resources, or
favors to people or organizations in return for their support. Establishing patronage networks
serves as a means for politicians to solidify their influence and guarantee a devoted voter (Gul &
Khan, 2017). In Pakistan, the prevalence of patronage politics and clientlism manifests in the
provision of employment opportunities and development projects in both urban and rural areas.
(Farmanullah, 2014).

The voting behavior of an average voter in Punjab tends to focus more on local and
personal issues rather than national and global concerns. Prosperous candidates or political
parties can take advantage of this necessity, use their financial power to control the political
discourse and establish a positive perception among the voting population (Ahmad, 2020). Public
sector positions, contracts, or perks may be allocated based on political loyalty rather than
qualifications, promoting a system where adherence to a specific leader or party is incentivized
(Waseem 2006). In Punjab and other regions, local issues mainly revolve around infrastructure
and development concerns, including the lack of essential services like healthcare, education,
and social welfare, as well as various matters related to government institutions (Shah & Majeed
2022)

Electoral campaigns

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 Electoral campaigns are defined as when concurrent elections occur, political parties or
candidates have to attempt to convince people to vote for them, by including advertising, public
speaking, debates, and canvassing among others (Bike 2012). The political campaign utilizes a
range of channels, such as rallies, member meetings, press releases, and pamphlets, to connect
with citizens, persuade them, and mobilize their support (Shah & Majeed 2022). Door-to-door
vote-gaining rallies enhance the magnificence of jalsas by facilitating a more individualized and
close encounter between candidates and voters. This grassroots strategy entails political
campaigners conducting door-to-door outreach in communities, engaging in individualized talks
with locals, and addressing their concerns (Karim, 2014). Political campaigns are strategized to
secure a maximum vote bank, with each political party aiming to win voters' favor through
effective election campaigns, the outcomes of which are evident during elections (Masood &
Hassan, 2020).

The most preferred techniques for campaigning involve door-to-door canvassing and
establishing personal connections with the voters. Besides these, various other techniques are
commonly employed in rural and urban areas of Punjab. With significant advancements in
media, television advertisements, addresses, and talk shows will hold a crucial role in the
upcoming electoral campaign (Bike 2012). Voting behavior is significantly influenced by the use
of digital and traditional media platforms during campaigns. Campaign messages are spread to a
bulk of the audience by the use of social media, radio, television, and newspapers in prominent
cities as well as villages in Punjab (Kamran, 2009).

Party Identification

Party identification is referred to as if someone feels psychologically attached or loyal to

a particular political party (Ahmad, 2017). Party affiliation is a crucial factor in determining
voting preferences in Pakistan. It creates an intricate network of connections, beliefs, and past
associations that impact voters' choices in elections. This tendency is strongly rooted in the
political culture of the region, where individuals frequently associate themselves with specific
parties based on a variety of criteria, including philosophy and family traditions (Akhtar, 2016).

45
Party loyalty has a significant impact that goes beyond simply having similar values. It affects
how we think and influences the way we perceive things. Individuals who demonstrate loyalty to
a political party frequently display cognitive biases, which means they tend to perceive
information in a way that supports their party's positions(Ahmad & Shakeel 2020).

In Punjab, party identification is a long-term and enduring process, as once individuals

align themselves with a particular party, they tend to remain loyal and vote for that party in
subsequent elections. This identification is persistent and requires substantial time to change
(Masood & Hassan, 2020). Some voters often prefer voting for a political party rather than being
driven solely by biradriism (clan or ethnic affiliation) because a political party with a strong and
positive image can effectively influence the public's voting decisions (Ahmad & Shakeel 2020).

Leadership

Leadership refers to the capacity of an individual or a collective to motivate, direct, and

rally the supporters or constituents of an institution or community. Leadership is a crucial factor
in influencing voting behavior within a political system. Leaders who are strong and successful
have been seen as a representation of success in contemporary democracies and politics based on
party affiliations (Ahmad, 2017). The personal qualities and attributes of a leader hold
substantial influence in shaping the voting behavior of the public, and characteristics like
effective communication skills, dedication to serving the community, and economic status are
crucial factors that sway the voting tendencies of the people (Shawar & Asim, 2011). Results of
elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa indicate that a considerable proportion of independent
candidates are consistently elected to both provincial and national and assemblies from the
province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The majority of these autonomous candidates originate from
the northern territories and districts of the KPK. The prevalence of notable people, tribal leaders,
and powerful elites in the region is the cause. They possess their sphere of impact and can be
chosen autonomously Far (Farmanullah & Rahman 2015).

Leaders are more likely to win support at the polls if they can establish cogent
ideological platforms and connect with the electorate's existing attitudes. (Ahmad, 2017).

46
Ultimately, the traits and qualities of political leaders have a substantial impact on voting
decisions in Punjab and Pakistan. Leaders who demonstrate these characteristics effectively
connect with the public, fostering trust, allegiance, and backing (Kamran, 2009).

Waderaism

Feudalism or Waderaism is explained as a hierarchical structure where rulers serve as

benefactors, offering security, assets, and assistance to their subjects in return for allegiance
(Ahmad, 2002). The politics of Pakistan revolves around the influence of financial resources.
Individuals who are impoverished and lacking in resources are unlikely to be elected to political
assemblies. Election campaigning necessitates substantial expenditures that are beyond the
financial means of individuals with typical incomes (Anwar, 2016). Due to productive
deliberation and mutual agreement, zamindars typically a politician who comes to their hujra, or
place of residency, win over biradari members to a candidate. During this gathering, they engage
in dua-e-khair, a prayer aimed at ensuring the success of the candidates. (Askari 2002). A small
number of feudal lords have power over about two-thirds of the parliament. While the prevalence
of feudalism in Pakistan is gradually diminishing, it continues to be a significant aspect of the
social framework of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in many manifestations. Impoverished individuals
without access to resources still rely on landlords for their basic needs and survival (Farmanullah
& Rahman 2015).
The historical inheritance of feudalism in Punjab has deeply embedded a series of
characteristics that greatly influence the way individuals associate themselves with political
organizations during elections (Ahmad, 2002). Feudalism or Waderaism has a big effect on how
people vote in Punjab. It's part of a complicated social and political situation where land
ownership, past power structures, and patronage networks are very important. The historical
inheritance of feudalism in Punjab has deeply embedded a series of characteristics that greatly
influence the way individuals associate themselves with political organizations during elections
(Ahmad, 2002).

Issue politics

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 Issue politics is referred as to voting for a candidate or party based on their specific
opinions or preferences for particular factors, like the economy, health care, educational
standards, and environmental concerns before they make any ballot decisions (Akhtar, 2016).
Issue politics is a crucial tactic used by political candidates in Punjab to get votes. It involves
addressing the specific issues and ambitions of the voter in a detailed and meaningful way. The
significance of politics centered on specific issues in this region can be comprehended by
examining various fundamental dynamics (Masood & Hassan 2020). Policy positions about a
particular local or national issue are key factors in making voting decisions. When deciding
whom to vote in elections, voters frequently take into account the policies about dominant issues
in their area of the candidates. The degree to which a politician's policy fits with the values and
preferences of voters can greatly influence their choice to vote for that candidate. Based on their
positions on important issues such the national security, social issues, healthcare, education,
environment, and economics, voters assess (Akhtar, 2016).

Explaining how national policies will be customized to tackle the specific difficulties
encountered by the province enables candidates to showcase a sophisticated strategy that is in
line with the local circumstances. Political issues are essential for garnering votes in Punjab.
(Askari 2002). Candidates who approach the political scene by prioritizing the resolution of
specific concerns are more likely to establish a stronger bond with the electorate. Politically
successful individuals in Punjab skillfully integrate their political methods with practical
solutions, utilizing issue-oriented politics to establish a personal and community-oriented
connection with voters (Shawar & Asim, 2012).

Analysis and Literature of General Elections 2018

The 2018 Pakistani general election represented a major shift in the country’s political
landscape, influenced by a complex mix of social, economic, and cultural factors. Voter behavior
was deeply affected by kinship (biraderi) and familial ties, particularly in regions like Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, where voters often chose candidates based on clan loyalties (Nazir et
al., 2020; Nizamani et al., 2019). Rural areas of Punjab, like District Bahawalpur, were more

48
influenced by caste and baradari systems than urban regions (Shah & Bakht, 2019). Additionally,
younger and more educated voters in places like District Buner prioritized leadership qualities
over family ties (Shah & Majeed 2022).

The election also saw increased participation from women and youth, particularly in
traditionally conservative regions like Dir and Bajaur, where women ran for office for the first
time (Nizamani et al., 2019). The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gained significant traction,
driven by its anti-corruption slogan and a focus on leadership, particularly in urban Ahmad &
Shakeel 2020). Religious votes also played a significant role, especially with the rise of parties
like the TLP ((Nazir et al., 2020). The widespread use of social media further shaped electoral
outcomes, influencing public opinion and party visibility (Masood & Hassan 2020).

Conceptual Framework
In light of the literature review, key informant interviews were conducted to highlight the
most prominent factors that affect voting behavior in Darya Khan Punjab. (Ahmad, 2020; Sadiq
et al., 2014; McQuail, 2005; Farmanullah & Islam, 2019; Butt & Awan, 2017; Antunes, 2010;
Masood & Hassan, 2020; Shawar & Asim, 2012; Kanwal et al., 2014; Usman 2011 )
As a result of both of these, it is concluded that the following factors (variables) mostly
affect voting behavior in Darya Khan, hence following framework helped to test the impact of
factors affecting voting behavior in Darya Khan.

49
 Biraderism Waderaism

Clientlism, patronage
and money politics

Narratives, Leadership

Issue Politics, Party

Manifesto

Electoral Campaign
Mass Media, Religion

Research Gap
Given the literature review, was observed that though there exists a lot of research on
voting behavior in Pakistan, electoral politics, and voting trends, however, this research is
generally theoretical. On the other hand, empirical research is generally focused at the national
level. Similarly, empirical studies on electoral behavior have also been conducted in some of the
prominent cities of Punjab and Pakistan level as well. Like (Ahmad 2002), (Ahmad 2017),
(Akhtar 2016), (Anwar 2016), (Askari 2002), and some other scholars have researched
prominent cities of Punjab. Same as (Azeez et al., 2016), (Anwar 2016), (Ahmed & Shakeel
2020), (Ali 2021), and some other scholars have done work on the Pakistani level. However,
there exist no studies on electoral behavior in rural areas of Pakistan particularly Darya Khan, a
historical city. Therefore, this study bridges this gap by exploring the factors affecting voting
behavior in a historical and strategically important city i.e. Darya Khan.

50
 Research Methodology

The research methodology chapter outlines the study’s approach and techniques. The
study employs a quantitative design to analyze voting behavior and other variables, utilizing
statistical tools for testing associations. A survey approach was chosen, employing a self-
structured questionnaire to gather data from both rural and urban areas of Darya Khan. Primary
data was collected through this survey and census data, while secondary data was sourced from
books, journal articles, and newspapers.

The study’s population is Darya Khan’s total population of 360,427. A sample of 400
was determined using the Yamane formula, which considers the total population and desired
precision. Random sampling was applied to ensure representation across various demographics,
including residence, education level, age, gender, and profession. Data analysis included both
descriptive statistics (such as frequency, mean, and mode) and inferential statistics (like
correlations, regression, and tests of significance) to explore relationships and impacts among
variables. This methodology ensures a comprehensive and representative analysis of voting
behavior in the target area.

Findings and Analysis

The correlation analysis between the independent variables (Biraderism, Waderaism,

Religion, Leadership, Money Politics Patronage, and Clientlism affect voting Behavior in
General Elections 2018.

Money Politics
Voting
Biraderism Waderaism Religion Leadership Patronage and
Behavior
Clientlism
Pearson Correlation 1 .484** .214** .061 .063 .202*
Biraderism Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .007 .445 .428 .010
N 400 400 400 400 400 400

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 Pearson Correlation .484** 1 .138 -.032 .258** .139
Waderaism Sig. (2-tailed) .000 .082 .689 .001 .081
N 400 400 400 400 400 400

Pearson Correlation .214** .138 1 -.147 .156* -.250**

Religion Sig. (2-tailed) .007 .082 .065 .050 .001

N 400 400 400 400 400 400

Pearson Correlation .061 -.032 -.147 1 -.009 .393**
Leadership Sig. (2-tailed) .445 .689 .065 .912 .000
N 400 400 400 400 400 400
Money Pearson Correlation .063 .258** .156* -.009 1 -.062
Politic Sig. (2-tailed) .428 .001 .050 .912 .435
Patronage
and N 400 400 400 400 400 400
Clientlism

The correlation between Biraderism and voting behavior is present but weak, with an r value of
0.202 and a p value of 0.010, indicating that while family or clan ties may influence voting
decisions, other factors are likely more significant. In contrast, no significant correlation exists
between Waderaism (landowner influence) and voting behavior, as shown by the r-value of
0.139 and a p value of 0.081, which is above the 0.05 threshold. Religion shows an inverse
correlation with voting behavior, as the r value is -0.250 and the p value is 0.001. This suggests
that as religious influence increases, voting behavior shifts, with religious people being less
likely to vote in the 2018 general election. Leadership qualities have a moderate correlation with
voting behavior, evidenced by an r value of 0.393 and a p value of 0.000, indicating that
leadership plays a significant role in shaping voter decisions. Lastly, there is no correlation
between money politics, patronage, clientelism, and voting behavior.

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Key findings include:

1. Biraderism significantly impacts voting behavior, as familial and clan ties strongly
influence voter decisions. Waderaism also affects voting but to a lesser extent than
Biraderism.
2. Religion has a negative impact, with more religious individuals being less likely to vote.
Increased religiosity correlates with lower voter turnout.
3. Leadership and election campaigns play a major role in shaping voting behavior, with
voters responding strongly to the qualities of political leaders and campaign strategies.
4. Mass media shows a minimal correlation with voting behavior, suggesting its influence
is limited compared to other factors.
5. Issue politics did not have a statistically significant effect on voting decisions, indicating
specific policy issues were less influential in this election.
6. Party manifestos had a strong positive impact, suggesting that voters considered party
platforms when making their choices.
7. Socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, income, and urban-rural divide show
significant variations in voting behavior. For instance, younger and urban voters were
more influenced by leadership and media, whereas income levels and profession also
affected political attitudes.

Conclusion:

The study on voting behavior in Darya Khan, District Bhakkar, during the 2018 general
elections in Pakistan highlights several influential factors. These include biraderism (clan
loyalty), waderaism (landowner influence), religion, leadership, media, party manifestos, and
socio-economic conditions. The research shows that biraderism significantly impacted voter
choices, while waderaism had a slightly lesser but still notable influence. Interestingly, religion
had a negative impact, as more religious individuals were less likely to vote. Leadership qualities

53
and election campaigns positively correlated with voting behavior, showing their importance in
shaping voter decisions.

The media's impact was found to be negligible, and issue-based politics had minimal
influence. However, party manifestos played a significant role in guiding voter preferences.
Gender disparities, urban-rural differences, and socio-economic class also influenced voting
patterns. Urban residents and younger voters were more influenced by leadership and media,
while rural areas leaned more towards traditional factors like biraderism and waderaism.
Professional background also shaped political attitudes, with some occupations affecting political
preferences more than others.

In conclusion, voting behavior in Darya Khan was shaped by a complex interaction of

socio-demographic factors, with leadership, party manifestos, and traditional influences playing
key roles.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Political Parties and Candidates include focusing on leadership and
community ties, tailoring messages to religious sentiments, investing in targeted electoral
campaigns, improving media strategies, addressing urban and rural concerns separately, and
considering age and income variations.

Recommendations for Researchers suggest further exploration of Biraderism, electoral

campaigns, and leadership influences, as well as the role of media and sociocultural factors.
Qualitative research and comparative studies are encouraged.

Recommendations for policymakers involve enhancing the effectiveness of party platforms,

promoting civic education, ensuring unbiased media coverage, addressing socioeconomic
disparities, engaging with diverse professions, and increasing female political participation to
foster a more inclusive democratic process.

54
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