Democracy at Grassroots: Understanding the 2018 Electoral Process in Chiniot

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive overview of electoral politics in the Chiniot-II constituency, formerly known as NA-100 in 2018 and redefined as NA-94 in the 2024 delimitation. It examines the shifting political landscape, voter behavior, and party performance within this central Punjab region. The analysis traces the transformation in constituency boundaries and its implications on local political dynamics, highlighting key candidates, party alliances, and electoral outcomes over the two general elections. Special focus is given to the performance of major political parties—Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and others—along with the role of independent candidates and biradari (clan) affiliations. By comparing voter turnout, campaign strategies, and constituency issues across both election cycles, this study sheds light on the evolving democratic engagement and political trends in Chiniot-II. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of electoral behavior and political continuity and change in Pakistan's rural constituencies.