The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has strategically unveiled its candidates for 32 out of the 46 National Assembly constituencies in South Punjab, setting the stage for a competitive electoral landscape. This report delves into the distribution of PPP candidates across various districts, analyzing their perceived strengths and weaknesses.
Constituency Overview:
Out of the 46 constituencies, the PPP has identified 14 candidates as strong contenders, with Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, and Bahawalpur featuring prominently. However, concerns arise in 18 constituencies where PPP’s National Assembly candidates face perceived weaknesses, and in 14 constituencies, no nominations have been put forth.
Khanewal Dynamics:
The PPP faces a notable challenge in Khanewal, with Rana Abdul Rehman’s recent shift to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) impacting PPP’s standing in four constituencies. Analysts view Rehman as a local-level candidate, potentially influencing the dynamics in NA-144 Khanewal. Furthermore, NA-146 introduces Shahid Bashir as an unfamiliar nominee, while NA-145 and NA-147 lack PPP representation.
Multan’s Strategic Moves:
In Multan, the PPP strategically fields candidates from the Geelani family for three out of six National Assembly seats. Former Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Geelani, Syed Ali Musa Geelani, and Syed Abdul Qadir Geelani are identified as strong contenders. However, Syed Yusuf Raza Geelani faces formidable competition from Malik Ahmad Hasan Dehar of the PML-N.
Lodhran’s Landscape:
Lodhran presents a varied scenario, with relatively unknown and weak PPP candidates in NA-154 and NA-155, while Abdul Rehman Kanju and Siddique Ahmed Khan Baloch, strong contenders from the Nawaz League, compete in the same districts.
Bahawalnagar Challenges:
PPP’s coordinator for South Punjab, Abdul Qadir Shaheen’s home district, Bahawalnagar, poses challenges. Two out of three seats (NA-161 to 163) have PPP candidates perceived as weak. NA-163 candidate Mian Muhammad Aamir Watto is projected to secure a modest number of votes.
Bahawalpur Dynamics:
In Bahawalpur District, PPP showcases relatively stronger candidates in NA-166 (Syed Ali Hasan Geelani) and NA-167 (Shahrukh Malik). Syed Ali Hasan Geelani’s 2018 performance suggests potential, despite trailing the runner-up by 7 points. Shahrukh Malik, a first-time contestant, previously garnered over 24,000 votes in the 2018 PP-252 Bahawalpur elections.
Vehari’s Limited Nomination:
Vehari District sees only one PPP nomination, Mahmood Hayat Khan Tochi, on NA-159, a former MNA with a previously modest performance.
Rahim Yar Khan’s Optimism:
Rahim Yar Khan emerges as a stronghold for PPP, with eligible candidates in five out of six National Assembly seats. Notable contenders include Makhdoom Muhammad Mehmood, Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mahmood, Makhdoom Syed Mustafa Mahmood, Makhdoom Syed Usman Mahmood, Chaudhry Zafar Waraij, and Makhdoom Tahir Rasheed Ulidin.
Muzaffargarh’s Strategic Nominations:
In Muzaffargarh, PPP has strategically nominated Meher Irshad Sial, Nawabzdah Iftikhar Khan, and Malik Raza Rabbani Ghar, all of whom won in 2018 and are perceived as strong contenders for NA-175, NA-176, and NA-180, respectively.
Leh District’s Strong Candidate:
Malik Bahadur Khan Saheer stands out as a strong PPP candidate for NA-181 in Leh district, despite his previous loss as an independent candidate in 2018.
Nomination Doubts in Certain Districts:
PPP’s nominations for NA-185 and NA-186 raise doubts among local analysts about their chances of success.
Rajanpur’s Limited Representation:
Rajanpur presents a challenge, with only one weak PPP candidate nominated for three National Assembly seats. Internal divisions within the party are evident, as no candidate has been named for a National Assembly seat in Taunsa.
Leadership Involvement:
Allegedly, former Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani invited Asif Ali Zardari and Vice Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to Multan twice to attract electables. Despite efforts, the Gilani family and the Makdooms of Rahimyar Khan have struggled to secure ‘electable candidates’ for the party, with only Sahibzada Hamid Saeed Kazmi and Ch. Zafar Warriach joining.
The PPP’s candidate selection in South Punjab reflects a mix of strategic choices and challenges. While certain constituencies show promise, others face uncertainties and strong opposition. The party’s performance in the upcoming elections will be shaped by the dynamics of each district and the effectiveness of its outreach efforts.
