LAHORE – The PML-N has fielded more candidates than any other party in Punjab for the general seats of the national assembly. But Imran Khan’s PTI, supposed to be its main competitor in the most populous province of the country, is in the lead as for the number of candidates for Punjab Assembly slots is concerned.
On 148 general seats of the national assembly in Punjab, the Nawaz League has fielded 146 candidates while the PTI has put 143 runners in the race. Surprisingly, the MQM, which has no roots in this province, falls on number three on this list with 132 candidates. The leading partner in outgoing coalition government at centre, the PPP is at third position with 119 candidates, while its supposed ally PML-Q is at the last number with 76 contenders. For Punjab Assembly slots, the PTI has fielded its candidates on all the 297 seats. The outgoing ruling party in the province, PML-N follows it with its 292 contenders. The MQM, which is only popular in urban parts of Sindh, has fielded 256 candidates for Punjab Assembly. The PPP has around 205 runners for Punjab Assembly.
The PML-Q here too falls on the last as it has put 134 contenders. Thus a total of 616 candidates of the above listed parties will fight for NA seats and 1,184 candidates for provincial assembly slots in the electoral battlefield of Punjab on May 11. The election activity of various political players in Punjab hints at tough competition between the PML-N and PTI in many areas. – Thenation
