In Pakistan’s elections, minorities face daunting challenge
ISLAMABAD — As Pakistan heads into parliamentary elections this week, the country’s minorities are looking for better representation and a voice that will speak up for them in what rights groups warn is in an increasingly intolerant atmosphere in this Muslim-majority nation.
It’s an uphill struggle for Pakistani Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadis and others. Minority religions make up just 4 per cent of Pakistan’s 200 million people; Shiites account for about 15 to 20 per cent of the Muslim population.
The country’s complicated electoral system allots minorities and women a small number of “reserved” seats, based on their parties’ gains at the polls.
But for the rest of the seats — both in the 342-seat National Assembly, the law-making lower house of parliament, and the four provincial legislatures — members of minority groups are increasingly choosing to run as independent candidates, without affiliation to any political party.