LAKKI MARWAT, July 30: A large number of former councillors and nazims of union councils have filed nomination papers for seats held by them till dissolution of these bodies; it was learnt here on Friday.

“They have jumped into the arena after having been assured of full support by influential political people of the area. Various new faces are also in the field for different posts but they face tough competition from their predecessors,” sources said.

They said new-comers had an edge over the former ones who, besides having a stable financial position, were also backed by important political figures of the district.

“Some of the former nazims and naib nazims have been forced by their voters to take active part in the forthcoming elections while others have decided to contest the poll in the hope that their past performance will help them get re-elected.

For the first time in the district, religious parties have fielded their candidates, while candidates ignored by the Khans and politicians are also in the field in independent capacity,” they said.