FACTBOX - Pakistan's political prospects

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan's political parties are jockeying for position ahead of a September 6 presidential election and after the ruling coalition split, worrying investors and allies concerned about the economy and militant violence.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif pulled his party out of the ruling coalition on Monday over disputes with his main partner over the judiciary and who should be the next president.

The split came a week after the coalition celebrated the resignation of Pervez Musharraf as president.

The coalition is headed by the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, which has nominated its leader and Bhutto's widower, Asif Ali Zardari, to replace Musharraf as president.

Following are some implications of the latest developments.

GENERAL ELECTION SCENARIOS

* The departure of Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) from the coalition will not force a general election, analysts say, as the PPP should be able to gather enough support to rule. But it will make it more difficult for the PPP to marshal a two-thirds majority in parliament, needed to amend the constitution.

* However, Sharif looks set to gain in popularity by standing firm on principle on the judges, whose sacking was regarded as the major decision that turned public opinion against Musharraf. That could help make Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League (N) party the favourites when an election is ultimately held.

BATTLE OVER JUDGES