Operationalization of Floating Voters Hypothesis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The study of various elections and their results in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reveals that voters¿ preferences are continuously changing unlike other parts of Pakistan in terms of their support in favour of or against mainstream political parties. This has affected the outcome of election results, bringing political parties and alliances of different shades to power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Such an unpredictable voting behaviour necessitates the matter to be investigated scientifically. It further makes the electoral history of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa different from other provinces of Pakistan. It is believed that a good percentage of floating voters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which, along with the personality of politicians, issues, religiosity, kinship and tribe or clan (Qaum or Khel) influence voting behaviour of the people.