Opposition lawyers told Pakistan's top court in Islamabad that halting President Pervez Musharraf's re-election bid is in the national interest and will stop a "chaotic situation."

General Pervez Musharraf, who came to power eight years ago in a bloodless coup by ousting former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, is seeking a second term in the October 6 presidential poll. The general election is likely to be held within two months of November 15, when the present assemblies end their term.

"There will be a chaotic situation in the country if these elections are held and that is why we are seeking a stay order for the presidential elections," said Hamid Khan, lawyer for rival candidate Wajihuddin Ahmad.

The Supreme Court is expected to give judgment on Friday on last-ditch appeals by Musharraf's two rivals in the presidential election, which is scheduled for the following day.

Pakistan's Election Commission on Monday issued the final list of five candidates for the October 6 presidential poll. The candidates include President Pervez Musharraf, Mohammedmian Soomro, Wajihuddin Ahmed, Makhdoom Mohammad Amin Faheem and Faryal Talpur.

Photograph: Tariq Mahmood/AFP/Getty Images