DADU, Sept 11: The electioneering for three National Assembly and seven Provincial Assembly seats has begun at a slow pace in Dadu district.

The activists of the PPP, PML (N), PML (QA), PPP (SB), MQM, MMA, and the SDA have started their mass contact campaigns by going door-to-door and arranging corner meetings in their areas.

Observers believe the position of PPP candidates is strong for two National Assembly and five Provincial Assembly seats in the district and it will face tough contest at the remaining seats.

Rafique Ahmad Mahessar (PPP) and Liaquat Ali Jatoi (PML-QA) are the main contenders for NA-233, Dadu-III, and have started their election campaigns.

Jatoi’s supporters claim he has an edge over his rival as he is the son of a senior politician, Abdul Hameed Jatoi, who had great influence in the area.

However, both the PPP and PML (QA) candidates are seasoned politicians and have been contesting and winning elections.

Syed Fida Hussain Shah (MMA), Rafique Ahmad Jamali (PPP), Hussain Bux Solangi (MQM), Sadaqat Ali Jatoi (PML-QA), Ahmad Khan Lund (PML-QA), and Mir Asghar Panhwar (independent) are contenders for NA-232, Dadu-II, but observers say Rafique Jamali has a smooth sailing.

The grand son of the founder of the Jeay Sindh Tehrik, G.M. Syed, Jalal Mehmood Shah (SDA), and Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur (PPP), the brother-in-law of Dadu District Nazim Malik Asad Sikandar, are the main candidates for NA-231, Dadu-I.

The position of the PPP’s Talpur seems to be strong as Sikandar has great influence in the area.

Mehmood Shah was elected MPA from Sehwan in the previous election with the support of local anti-PPP leaders.

Qazi Shafique Ahmad Mahessar (PPP) and Sadaqat Ali Jatoi (PML-QA) are contesting for PS-77, Mehar.

Owing to the influence of Abdul Hameed Jatoi’s family in the constituency, the PML (QA) candidate seams to have good chances.

Former MPA Zafar Ali Laghari (PPP) and former Sindh chief minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi (PML-QA) are contesting for PS-76, Khairpur Nathan Shah.

This contest is supposed to be one of the toughest contests as both are veteran politicians.

Marvi Mazhar, the daughter of Pir Mazharul Haq (PPP), who was elected MPA four times, is contacting voters in PS-74. Haq, due to some cases, is absent from the area.

Syed Mohammad Shah (SDA), a strong candidate, Imam Bux Panhwar (MQM), Ali Mohammad Jamali (PPP-SB) and Ahmad Khan Malkani (independent) are also contesting for PS-74.

The election campaign of the PPP candidate is gaining momentum in the area.

Syed Ghulam Shah Jilani (PPP), Dr Manzoor Ahmad Laghari (Millat Party), Yousuf Solangi (PPP-SB) and Mohammad Bux (independent) are candidates for PS-75, Johi.

The real contest is likely between Jilani and Dr Laghari.

Syed Murad Ali Shah (PPP), Chakar Khan Shahani (PML-QA), Shakeel Ahmad Memon (PPP-SB) and Gulan Khan Bhand (independent) are contesting for PS-73, Sehwan.

The heads of several villages are supporting the PPP candidate.

Preen Shoro (PPP) and Syed Jalal Mehmood Shah (SDA) are the main contenders for PS-72, Kotri.

Shoro is a new face in the election and Shah is a senior politician.

Malik Changez Khan (PML-QA) and Syed Asif Ail Shah are contesting for PS-71, Thana Bula Khan.