Abstract
The propensity to organize parties along ethno-regional lines has remained alive in most multi-ethnic states. Additionally, the growing ethnic strife and political fragmentation in the recent past has resulted in the proliferation of ethno-regionalist parties worldwide. These parties have attracted considerable electoral support and, resultantly, have moderately influenced public policy in several cases. This paper attempts to determine the role of ethno-regionalist parties in the politics of Pakistan by examining their electoral performance in general elections. The evidence demonstrates that the influential role of ethno-regionalist parties in the politics of Pakistan will prevail until a significant shift in behavior of the national electorate occurs.
Keyword(s)
Ethno-regionalist Parties, Electoral Support, Electoral Process