BAJAUR, Sept 22: A tough contest is expected between the nominees of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal and other parties and alliances for the two National Assembly seats of Bajaur Agency.

The MMA candidate for NA-43, Bajaur-I, Maulana Mohammad Sadiq, is enjoying a strong position in view of the public tilt in favour of the religious parties.

National Alliance candidate and National Awami Party Pakistan, Bajaur, President Shahabuddin Khan is expected to give a tough time to the MMA candidate Haroon Rashid on NA-44, Bajaur-II. Six other candidates are contesting for the seat.

Other strong contestants for NA-43 are NA nominee Salahuddin Khan and Shaukatullah, who is the son of former National Assembly member Haji Bismillah Khan.

The people of Chaharmang, Mamond, Nawagai, Chamarkand and Inayat Kallay areas in the NA-43 constituency are mostly expected to vote for the MMA.

In all, six candidates are vying for the seat.