Empowering Pakistani Voters: The Role of Social Media in Defeating Electoral Rigging

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the crucial role of social media in combating electoral rigging in Pakistan’s most recent elections, focusing on its impact on election outcomes and voter behavior. The study outlined the history of electoral wrongdoings and examines how traditional and social media have transformed Pakistan’s political landscape. By analyzing specific instances where digital platforms such as Face and Twitter highlighted irregularities, the paper goes to show how social media can act as a powerful tool for promoting transparency and accountability. Through analyzing a survey that was conducted among voters in Punjab, stratified by age, gender, profession and locality this paper quantifies the effect of social media on political mobilization. The findings reveal a strong correlation between the use of social media and increased political awareness, particularly among young urban voters. Based on these results, the paper recommends measures to further integrate social media into Pakistan's electoral process to foster a more fair and transparent democracy.