"What most people didn't realize in the Western countries is that here its not a question of having supporters, its a question of getting these votes to the polling stations"

Imran Khan's statement draws attention to a subtle but critical difference in the nature of electoral politics, particularly in the context of countries outside the Western world, specifically, Pakistan. He highlights that, unlike in many Western democracies where the challenge lies in persuading and acquiring voters’ support, in his context, the real struggle is mobilizing those supporters to actually cast their votes on election day. The subtext is that having widespread popularity or even an apparent majority of public support does not automatically translate into electoral success if logistical, systemic, or cultural hurdles prevent supporters from participating actively in the voting process.

This challenge often emerges from the structural and social peculiarities of developing democracies. Barriers such as voter intimidation, lack of dependable transportation, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and sometimes even violence or threats can discourage or physically prevent supporters from reaching polling stations. In some instances, powerful local actors such as landlords or political blocs use their influence to suppress turnout or manipulate access to voting for certain groups. Illiteracy and a lack of awareness regarding the importance of voting may also play a role, with many people underestimating the impact or significance of their individual vote.

Khan’s words also allude to the practical realities of organizing and sustaining grassroots political movements. Charisma, favorable polling, or public rallies might create the illusion of a vast support base, but election outcomes are determined by turnout, not sentiment alone. The logistical challenge of transporting thousands or even millions of supporters, sometimes from remote or rural areas, becomes a key facet of campaign strategy. Political parties thus often invest significant resources into mobilization efforts, from arranging transportation to ensuring the safety and freedom of voters. Ultimately, Khan underscores a fundamental gap in understanding among Western observers: the basic mechanics of democracy in some countries involve not just persuasion, but also overcoming tangible barriers to participatory action.