MARDAN, Aug 18: Candidates of various political parties contesting by-election for the provincial assembly constituency PK-23, Mardan, have geared up their electioneering to get support of maximum number of voters.

Former chief minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti had won election from both NA-9 and PK-23 in May 11 general election, but vacated the provincial assembly seat.

The main candidates in the run in by-elections for PK-23 include Awami National Party’s Ahmad Khan Bahadar, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s Umar Farooq Kakakhel and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Sami) Ikramullah Shahid.

However, tough contest is expected between the candidates of ANP and PTI.

“We are taking the by-polls in PK-23 constituency as a challenge because our candidate had won this seat in May 11 general elections,” said ANP local leader Mehr Ghani.

ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan had also visited the residence of Ameer Haider Hoti a few days ago and addressed a party gathering there in connection with the election campaign of their candidate.

PTI candidate Umar Farooq has also geared up his campaign and he is being supported by elected representatives of his party, including MNA Mujahid Khan, MPA Iftikhar Mashwani and other party leaders.