In the realm of academic theory, the concept of the public mandate holds a significant position, especially within representative democracies. It embodies the perceived legitimacy to govern, derived from popular support expressed through electoral processes. Yet, in Pakistan’s tumultuous political landscape, the notion of a public mandate has often been elusive, tangled within a history marked by prolonged periods of martial law and a political legacy steeped in martyrdom. They vehemently argued that despite allegations of rigging, the overwhelming support for Khan and his party was undeniable, positioning PTI as the rightful inheritor of the people’s mandate. Amidst the chaos of an unpredictable and disappointing electoral outcome, PTI crafted its own narrative, one that portrayed the party as the aggrieved party whose mandate was being stolen.

Source: The Nation February 16, 2024 08:52 UTC