Democracy itself is a sick joke.
You put into power those who seek it - ie the last sort of person who should be in power.
Like you said - qualifications are popularity not capability.
Policy making is populist not always what is required.
Then even in a functioning example of it - those voted in serve the interests of those who bankroll them, not those who vote for them.
Unfortunately it's the system we have and we need to either replace it or amend it so it works.
This election has been a protest vote - but as with any election, the vote of an idiot carries the same weight as that of an intellectual and the mandate must be respected.
If that means random aunties in govt - so be it.
Aunty if she has any sense when required to vote for something will defer to experts to get an informed opinion before she makes a choice.
Unfortunately I doubt anyone does that.
Exhibit A for democracy!
Ones who rule through fiat and diktat.
Does anyone need a knock on the head or an epiphany?
It has all been in plain sight...
People reduced to cattle and represented vicariously. Through every cycle, they try to claim their mandate.
Elsewhere, it is either achieved through out-spending the other or splitting the masses on manufactured yet volatile social or economic issues. But once done, it is business as usual.
The question is, how can anyone tell you with a straight face that I WILL DO MORE FOR YOUR KIDS THAN MY OWN? And that is the foundational lie...
People believe one on the pulpit to do exactly that... well, then continue to be disappointed into eternity.
Yes, mapping power and understanding the fact that you are under occupation and being manipulated! Into working more, paid less... manufactured ethos and corruption of values... deviation and emasculation!
Continuous flow of power legislated out of people and into the state apparatus, controlled through levers of manipulation.
So, the question is, why even conduct this theater? Why cause so much pain? Demonstrate power? Abduct people? Break their will?
The theater thus far has been the sole source of legitimately conveying manufactured mandate! To keep the cycle going... people suing for the NEXT opportunity. Holding on to their vents and blow steam. Occupation is relentless. It will not voluntarily recede. People will be further broken... more salutes to the flag, more indoctrination, more manipulation... more deviation in culture, faith... structures of society, and ultimately, family.
Ultimately, the state of Pakistan has no core constituency or agency that it represents. It never had and didn't get defined as such from the very onset. It has no defined goal nor distinction left to sell its masses.
Unless people get clued in, they will just get swept away...
Those who own don't care! Don't have your back, don't need your backing!