ISLAMABAD – A significant majority of Pakistanis continue to believe that democracy is the best system of governance for their country, despite widespread dissatisfaction with its current implementation and a decline in international democracy rankings. A new nationwide survey conducted by the Institute for Public Opinion Research (IPOR) and reported by The News reveals that 65% of the public supports the democratic system over all other alternatives, including religious or military rule.
The findings paint a complex and nuanced picture of the public mood, particularly in the wake of a tumultuous year marked by controversial general elections. While faith in the democratic ideal remains remarkably high, a majority of citizens express frustration with the political reality on the ground. This paradoxical sentiment suggests that the Pakistani electorate is not losing faith in democracy itself, but is instead demanding a higher standard of governance from its elected officials.
A Resounding Belief in the Democratic Ideal
The IPOR survey, which polled over 1,000 respondents from across the country, underscores a deep-rooted public commitment to democratic principles. When asked which system is best for Pakistan, two-thirds of the respondents (65%) unequivocally chose democracy.
This level of support stands in stark contrast to the alternatives. An Islamic system of government was favoured by just 19% of the population, while a military-led system garnered the backing of only 10%. A technocratic government received negligible support at just 1%.
In a testament to this foundational belief, a separate question found that a staggering 89% of participants expressed full confidence in the democratic system, viewing it as essential to Pakistan’s development and long-term stability. Only 7% stated their opposition to democracy, while 4% did not offer a response.
The Paradox: Dissatisfaction with the Current Reality
While the belief in the idea of democracy is strong, the survey reveals a starkly different view of its practice. A clear majority of 54% of respondents said they were dissatisfied with the current democratic system in Pakistan. In comparison, 43% expressed complete satisfaction.
This widespread dissatisfaction provides crucial context to the political events of the past year. Pakistan's democracy ranking, as measured by the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) prestigious Democracy Index, experienced a significant drop, falling from 3.25 in 2023 to 2.84 in 2024.
The EIU report attributed this decline to the political chaos surrounding the general elections held on February 8, 2024. The report noted that "Pakistan witnessed violence ahead of and on polling day," and that the events surrounding the election "raised questions over democratic rights and freedom in the country."
The Military's Role: A Divided Public Opinion
Given Pakistan's history, the role of the military in politics remains a deeply sensitive and divisive topic. The IPOR survey reflects this complex relationship.
A plurality of respondents, 42%, considered military intervention to be harmful for the country. However, a significant minority of 21% believed it was actually better for the strengthening of the democratic system, a view often rooted in perceptions of civilian corruption or incompetence.
Notably, a large portion of the respondents were hesitant to take a firm stance. 22% took a middle position, while another 15% refrained from giving any opinion on the question, underscoring the charged nature of the civil-military debate.
An Engaged Electorate: The Puzzle of Record Voter Turnout
Adding another layer to the paradox is the public's actions at the ballot box. Despite widespread dissatisfaction, the 2024 general election saw an unprecedented level of public participation.
According to the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen), a respected domestic election monitoring organization, the 2024 general election had the highest voter turnout in Pakistan’s history. This record-breaking engagement seems to contradict the sentiment of dissatisfaction.
Analysts suggest this indicates that despite their frustrations, Pakistanis still see the electoral process as the primary legitimate path to holding their leaders accountable and shaping the country's future. It points towards a politically aware and highly mobilized electorate.
Conclusion: A Mandate for Better Governance
Ultimately, the IPOR survey provides a critical insight into the mindset of the Pakistani people. The data refutes any simple narrative that the public is turning away from democracy. Instead, it reveals a politically mature populace that can distinguish between the democratic ideal they overwhelmingly support and the flawed political reality they experience daily.
The combination of record voter turnout and high dissatisfaction is not a sign of apathy, but of high expectations. It sends a clear and powerful mandate to the country's political class: the belief in the system is not the problem. The challenge lies in delivering a form of democratic governance that is transparent, fair, and effective enough to earn the satisfaction of the public.