Political Ignorance and Voting Participation of Rural Dwellers in Pakistan

Abstract

This study explored political ignorance and voting participation of rural residents using a qualitative research design. Face-to-face interviews of 71 participants were conducted by visiting their houses using an unstructured interview guide. Data were analyzed and grouped into recurrent themes using content analysis. The results indicated that a large majority of rural inhabitants were politically ignorant and did not seem to be interested in political activities as they were unaware about the existing political system, the way government operates and affect their lives, current affairs, and rural development programs. These participants did not know the value of their votes as they used to cast their votes based on clan preferences, community leader’s endorsement, fear of enmity of village elite, and friendship with community leader. These results will be helpful for NGOs, civil society, mainstream mass-media, and community based organizations in shaping public opinion, overcoming socio-political inequalities, altering existing socio-political arrangements, and strengthening socio-political participation.