ETHNICITY, TRIBAL LEADERSHIP, AND VOTING BEHAVIOR IN KOH-E-SULEMAN

Abstract

This research analyzed the influence of ethnic identity on voting behavior in the mountainous regions of Koh-e-Suleman, where people are loyal to their ethnic chief. Using quantitative methodology, the research used stratified random sampling from nine Tumans, using a sample of 384. A structured questionnaire was employed to study the influence of ethnic voting behavior. Additionally, the data were analyzed through SPSS using a binary logistic regression model. The findings revealed that ethnic identity is the strongest factor in voting behavior, as shown by a likelihood ratio of Exp(B) = 5.299 for ethnic purposes. These results emphasize the influence of ethnic identity associations in tribal communities where chief loyalty dominates party politics. The research contributes that tribal systems still affect elections, so political education and empowerment are needed to motivate ideological voting. Encouraging long-term studies can reveal more about how voting by ethnic groups has developed over time.