PAKISTAN is about to complete its second successful stint of civilian democratic rule. This time, the political atmosphere seems more polarised than that in 2013. There is, however, one constant in Pakistan’s election dynamics— the voters’ attitude.

People tend to vote for candidates with whom they have local, political or religious affiliations, instead of analysing the candidates’ past political performances. This can stifle the growth of democracy in Pakistan.

Hopefully, this attitude will vanish with future consecutive civilian stints in power. The voters should make sure that their decision is politically informed.

Inamullah Marwat
Peshawar

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IT is impossible for any new independent candidate, despite having a spotless reputation, to contest the election without plenty of wealth and support from some strong political party.

In the present system, only well-known rich candidates can hope to win an election on a party basis. Even if an independent candidate gets a chance to win a seat, he would not be allowed funds or support from the government.

Federal Secretary (r) Jameel A Bhutto
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2018