Political Marginalization through Separate Electorates: A Study of Christian Community in Pakistan

Abstract

Religious minorities' political participation is considered an important trait of democratic governance. In Pakistan however, the institutional architecture of electoral system has historically impacted and, in some cases, limited the political agency of minority communities. This research paper will discuss establishment and functioning of separate electorate system (1985-2002) and the effect it has had on political marginalization of Christian community within Pakistan. The justification for the system was that it would provide minority representation but its impact was to promote minority segregation, minority political marginalisation and to strengthen structural minority exclusion from politics. Based on historical analysis, secondary literature and electoral data, the research presented hypothesis that separate electorates created a political isolation that had negative consequences for democratic participation and inclusive governance. The paper also assesses the changes that have taken place since 2002 and puts forward the case that while joint electorates brought an improvement, challenges remain on structural side of minority representation. The study presents original insights into issues of electoral design, minority rights and democratization in postcolonial states.

Keywords: Separate Electorate, Christians in Pakistan, Political Marginalization, Minority Rights, Electoral System, Pakistan Politics