Electoral Forms without Democratic Substance: The Persistent Paradox of Elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (1932–1977)

Abstract

The electoral history of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (formerly the North-West Frontier Province) formally began in 1932, following its elevation to a Governor's province under British rule. This study traces the province's political trajectory from that inaugural era of limited franchise through to the turbulent legislative crises of 1977. Adopting a descriptive historical lens, the paper investigates a central paradox of this forty-five-year period: the evolution of electoral "forms" without democratic "substance.” The study navigates the shifting constitutional frameworks—from the colonial Government of India Act to the constitutions of Pakistan—and analyzes how these structures shaped political outcomes. It identifies the major stakeholders, from the early dominance of the Khudai Khidmatgars to the later ideological polarization between the National Awami Party (NAP) and centralist forces. Beyond a mere chronology of results, this paper critically examines the socio-political contexts of each election, highlighting how the promise of universal suffrage was frequently undermined by electoral irregularities and central interference. Ultimately, the study underscores how the struggle for genuine representation defined the province's formative political years.

Keywords: Electoral politics, KP, NWFP, Elections, Provincial politics