Apart from the three major parties, many small and big religious groups divided into different sects are also contesting the elections. Despite their ideological differences, they are seeking votes on the promise of Sharia-compliant education, justice and an economic system.
Salman Ghani believes that the chances of any of them coming to power are very low. He believes that these political parties can cut the votes of the mainstream political parties, especially the Muslim League-N, but none of them is likely to get the required majority to form the government.
“Early religious groups were more important politically,” he says. But that’s not the case anymore. They can be part of the government only if they join a coalition after the elections. Otherwise they have no chance.
When religious identity is so important to people in Pakistan, why don’t people vote for religious parties?
On this question, Salman Ghani says that when it comes to voting, people want to choose candidates who they think can reach the parliament.
“As far as religious parties are concerned, people respect them but when there is a perception that they will not win, they move to other mainstream parties.”