MANSEHRA, Aug 24: Five groups backed by political parties and influential people are in the run in the second phase of the local government elections to be held in Mansehra on Thursday.

The Muttahida Awami Mahaz (MAM) has been formed by the leader of opposition in the NWFP Assembly, Shahzada Mohammad Gustasap Khan, Sardar Mohammad Yousaf, former district nazim Syed Ahmad Hussain Shah and MPA Wajeehuzzaman Khan.

The Muttahida Islami Mahaz (MIM) has been set up by Senator Syed Hidayatullah Shah, Mohammad Azam Khan Swati, Mufti Kifayatullah, Gen (retd) Salahuddin Tirmizi, a former director-general of the Anti-Narcotic Force, and sons of former senator Syed Qasim Shah.

The Awam Dost panel enjoys the backing of the PPP, Al Khidmat group has been put up by the Jamaat-i-Islami and the liberal progressive group has been formed by Asif Akbar Khan, a former chairman of the defunct municipal committee.

The real contest is expected to be between the MAM and MIM.

While former MPAs Sakhi Mohammad Tanoli and Mohammad Tariq Khan Swati have put their weight behind the MAM, Habibur Rehman Tanoli, a former provincial minister and father of MPA Ghazala Habib, appears to be following the policy of wait and see.

MPA Shujah Salim Khan is supporting the MIM, but political observers believe that being a relative of Shahzada Gustasap and Syed Ahmad Hussain Shah, he would join the MAM after the election.

MAM leaders Shahzada Gustasap, Sardar Yousaf, Ahmad Hussain and Wajeehuzzaman have been playing an active role in the district politics.