TIMELINE: Pakistan's tumultuous politics

(Reuters) - A September 6 presidential election has been set for nuclear-armed Pakistan, where analysts say political jockeying after Pervez Musharraf quit has distracted from efforts to deal with violent militants and a troubled economy.

Ex-general Musharraf resigned on August 18 under threat of impeachment as head of state in Pakistan, on the frontline in the U.S.-led war against the Taliban and al Qaeda.

The two parties that had led a ruling coalition until a split last week have put forward separate candidates for the election, as has the opposition party that supported former President Pervez Musharraf.

They were considered the leading contenders after the official candidates list was announced on Saturday.

Here is a chronology showing the events that led to the downfall of Musharraf, who seized power in a bloodless coup in December 1999 and became president in 2001, and highlights of the political juggling since:

March 9, 2007 - Musharraf suspends Supreme Court Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry over allegations of misconduct. Lawyers rally around the top judge and Musharraf's popularity plummets.

July 10 - Musharraf orders troops to storm the Red Mosque in Islamabad to crush a Taliban-style movement there. At least 105 people are killed. Militant attacks and suicide bombings follow.

July 20 - Supreme Court reinstates Chief Justice Chaudhry, dealing a blow to Musharraf's authority.

July 27 - Musharraf meets former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Abu Dhabi for inconclusive talks on how to move the country towards a civilian-led democracy. Bhutto demands Musharraf step down as army chief.

Sept 10 - Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is arrested at Islamabad airport on his arrival from exile, despite the Supreme Court clearing his return. He is deported to Saudi Arabia.

Oct 2 - Musharraf's government announces it will drop graft charges against Bhutto, clearing the way for her return.

Oct 6 - Musharraf wins a presidential vote by legislators. Supreme Court holds off confirming legality of vote.

Oct 19 - Suicide bomber tries to assassinate Bhutto in Karachi as she returns from eight years of exile.

Nov 2 - Supreme Court meets to decide if Musharraf was eligible to stand for re-election while still army chief.

Nov 3 - Musharraf imposes emergency rule, detaining thousands of opposition politicians and lawyers.

Nov 11 - Musharraf sets parliamentary elections for January 8.