Media and Democratization: Analysing Effects of Panama Leaks Case`s Coverage on Pakistani E-Media Consumers

Abstract

The formation of public opinion and political behaviour, performed by the exposure to mass media plays an integral role in the development and functioning of a democratic political system and Peaceful Democratic Transition.  In Pakistan, the peaceful transfer of rule from one government to the next has been achieved only once in the overall course of history in 2013. Getting a shift, in 2017, the incumbent Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified on a decision of Supreme Court of Pakistan on Panama Leaks Case. Drawing upon the theory of cultivation, the study asserts that exposure to Panama Leaks Case`s coverage on electronic media has affected political behaviour (political awareness, party affiliation, voting behaviour), created dissatisfaction and lack of trust on government institutions and formed negative perceptions about peaceful democratic transition amongst Pakistani youngsters exposed to television coverage.