Rising Electoral Support of PTI in Punjab: A Comparative Analysis of 2013 and 2018 General Elections

Abstract

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has experienced a significant surge in electoral support within Punjab, the most populous and politically crucial province of Pakistan. This paper examines multifaceted factors contributing to PTI’s ascendancy, including socio-political dynamics, campaign strategies, candidate selection, change effective political strategies, charismatic leadership under Imran Khan, a growing public desire for political change and voter perceptions to shed light on PTI's performance in 2013 and 2018 general elections. The analysis also explores demographic shifts, socio-economic influences, and the role of social media in mobilizing and engaging younger voters. The impact of PTI’s governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, their anti-corruption stance, and successful public campaigns have further cemented their appeal in Punjab. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of PTI’s electoral dynamics and the potential implications for Pakistan’s political landscape. The debate investigating the causes and factors responsible for that noteworthy political change became inevitable. This paper is an attempt to answer the pertinent questions of why and how related to PTI rapid rise in the Punjab electoral politics. Furthermore, it analyzes the role of parties’ manifestos in shaping support across different regions. The research seeks to enhance comprehension about dynamics of electoral politics in Pakistan.