Pakistan, May 5 -- Barack Obama's rise to the presidency in 2009 gave hope to millions across the globe. A man of colour, born to immigrant parents, getting elected to the top office of a white-dominated superpower made many think that the world might still have something to offer to someone of ordinary birth. His election set a precedence that changed the discourse around electoral campaigns not only in America but around the world.

There is, however, at least one democracy still left where even today, the top office is a birthright. As veterans of that country's political dynasties ready their next generation to take turns in public offices for the next few decades, can the common young men or women, aspire to lead their country one da...