Voting Behavious of Students in Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad: A Case-Study of Elections 2013

Abstract

Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad is currently ranked among top 10 universities of Pakistan. It is situated below the Margala Hills with an approximate area of 1700 acres. The university can be seen in the North-East side on the map of Islamabad. Since it offers a quality education, a large number of local and foreign students are attracted towards it. In point of fact, all most all type of students from every corner of the country comes to Quaid-i-Azam University. Among the main ethnic identities of Pakistan i.e., Punjabis, Sindhis, Pashtoons, Saraikis, Baochis, Pathans, Muhajirs, and Chitralis smaller groups of Kashmiris, Barahi, Hindkowans, Balti or Burusho, Shina, and Turwalis are also found in the university. Since it is a federal public sector university, the largest in Pakistan reflecting voting behaviors of the entire country up to great extent, it is decided to study the people's interest their choices and preferences present in the university. In order to check the voting bahaviour a theoretical framework was formed, according to which every voter is a rational voter and his/her rationality is based on his political predisposition. It is observed that political predisposition of voters is based on the socio-economic status and social atmosphere to which the subject belongs. Socio-economic status and social atmosphere are also the main components which shape the voting trends in Quaid-i-Azam University. The main objective of the present study is to analyze socio-economic status and social atmosphere to distal factors of voting behavior in the institution.