FAISALABAD, Jan 21: Election reforms have forced almost all political parties to change their strategy of awarding tickets to contestants for the general election in October this year.

The military regime has made the graduation degree mandatory for contesting the national assembly election which was also a longstanding demand of various circles.

A survey conducted by this correspondent reveals that the main political rivals — PPP and PML-N have many leaders who have the required qualification, but they will have to make adjustment of candidates intelligently.

Former PML MNAs — Rana Zahid Tauseef (NA-57), Safdar Rehman (NA-60), Mian Muhammad Farooq (NA-61), Chaudhry Sher Ali (NA-64) and Mian Abdul Mannan (NA-65) will not be able to contest the NA election for the lack of required education.

Similarly, former PPP nominated candidates for MNAs — Shahadat Ali Khan Baloch (NA-59), Ghulam Mustafa Bajwa (NA-62), Riaz Ahmad Ansari (NA-63), Aslam Gucha (NA-64) and Mehr Abdul Rashid (NA-65) are also not eligible to contest the NA election.

It is observed that former MNAs — Rai Salahuddin, Mian Nasir Baloch, Raja Nadir Pervez and Akram Ansari of the PML and Rai Ijaz Ahmed, Abdullah Ghazi and Shahid Nazir of the PPP could be nominated for NA seats.

PPP leaders — Raja Riaz Ahmed, Shahid Khaleel Noor, Aftab Ahmed Khan and Badaruddin Chaudhry, who in the past won the provincial assembly election, will be elevated to national politics for their higher education.

Similarly, the PML leadership is also considering to nominate Chaudhry Azhar Hussain, Zahid Mehmood Goraya, Rana Afzal Khan and Sanaullah Khan for the NA seats.

It may be mentioned that the PML will face problems in nominating candidates due to sharp differences among the local leadership. However, the group comprising Rana Sanaullah Khan, Zeeshan Elahi Shah, Khawaja Islam, Safdar Rehman and Mian Abdul Mannan has deep roots among the masses, while the jailed former MNA Sher Ali’s group will have to bear the brunt.

It is also expected that a good number of elected Nazims of union councils and tehsil Nazims will contest the general election after tendering their resignations.

Political pundits claim that only those parties will capture seats of assemblies who will nominate their candidates keeping in view their backing in the area, popularity, biradari and other factors.