Paper short abstract:

Using an original database of familial linkages amongst electoral contestants in Punjab since 1970, and through a case study of the PTI in the 2013 elections, this paper explores how elections in the province are dominated by local level dynastic politicians.

Paper long abstract:

Using a unique and original database of familial linkages amongst the top three contestants in national and provincial assembly races in Punjab between 1970 and 2013, as well as local level case studies from across the province, this paper argues that political dynasties, held together by ties of blood and marriage, and largely drawn from the propertied elite, have been able to dominate political competition in Punjab by using their position and linkages to the state to develop and deploy effective electoral machines capable of mobilizing votes through the provision of patronage to constituents at the local level. As a result, even though Punjab's politics appears competitive, it is largely due to members of dynastic factions aggressively competing against each other using different party platforms. Simultaneously, the influence of dynastic politicians impedes the development of programmatic, cadre-based political party structures, ensuring that the pursuit of their interests trumps other concerns in political party, public policy and development-related matters, while also barring the entry of non-dynastic aspirants to public office. An examination of the PTI's electoral strategy in the 2013 elections further illustrates this point, emphasizing how dynastic politics shapes the choices available to new parties aiming to succeed in Punjab's electoral arena. The paper concludes by arguing that an investment in building organized, non-dynastic and non-familial political party structures could deliver much higher electoral returns to political parties in the future. It also identifies sources of change that could potentially lead to a decline in dynastic politics in Punjab.