As the nation prepares for the upcoming general elections on February 8, nearly 18,000 candidates are gearing up to compete for general seats in the National and provincial assemblies.
Election Commission’s Final List
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released its final list of contesting candidates for the National Assembly (NA) and provincial assemblies on Form-33. Among the 17,816 candidates, 11,785 will contest independently, while 6,031 will compete under the banner of their respective political parties.
Code of Conduct and Escalating Rivalry
Despite the electoral authority issuing a code of conduct for candidates and political parties, the extent to which it is adhered to remains to be seen. With each passing day, the war of words among rivals is escalating.
Notable Figures Not in the Run
Prominent political figures, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, and Asfandyar Wali, are not in the run for various reasons.
Anticipated Tough Contests
Several constituencies are expected to witness bitter and tough contests. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), having been denied an election symbol due to intra-party elections found contrary to its constitution, has fielded its candidates as independents, each allotted a different symbol.
Key Contests
Nawaz Sharif, PML-N supremo, is contesting from NA-15, Mansehra, and NA-130, Lahore, facing PTI’s Dr. Yasmeen Rashid. Shehbaz Sharif, former Prime Minister and Nawaz’s brother, is contesting from NA-123, Kasur, and NA-132, Lahore, facing veteran Liaquat Baloch of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). Asif Ali Zardari, former President and PPP Co-chairman, is vying for NA-207 from his native constituency Shaheed Benazirabad, facing PTI-backed Sher Muhammad Rind Baloch. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, PPP Chairman, will contest from three NA constituencies, facing challenges from PML-N’s Attaullah Tarar and others. Yusuf Raza Gilani, former Prime Minister and PPP member, is contesting from NA-148, Multan, facing PTI’s Barrister Taimur Malik and PML-N’s Ahmad Hussain.
Switching Sides and Local Bouts
Several noted politicians and ex-ministers have switched sides, engaging in tough local contests. Examples include Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, and Azra Masood.
Conclusion
The political landscape is dynamic, with notable figures, both old and new, facing off in what promises to be a closely watched and competitive electoral process.
