An analysis of students' attitude toward electoral politics in 2018 general elections: A case Study of Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad

Abstract

This paper seeks to investigate educated youth's attitudes toward electoral politics in general, and the 2018 general elections, in particular. For this purpose, the researchers conducted a case study of Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad (QAU). One of the major objectives of this study was to ascertain educated youth's general attitude toward electoral politics and know whether there exist any variations in the thinking of students with diverse ethnic, social, and academic backgrounds. The author also wanted to find possible explanations for any such variations. Therefore, the paper first presents overall findings of the study and then analyses the responses on the basis of respondents' gender, their disciplines, and ethnic identity. For better results, the researchers used mixed research method. He first collected quantitative data through a survey and then interviewed different people to find possible explanations for the findings. The study found that there are great variations in the thinking of students belonging to different provinces/administrative units, academic disciplines, and genders. The findings necessitate comprehensive reforms in the electoral system.