Mayor Peter Kelly could be the beneficiary of a divided opposition in October’s mayoral race, according to a Dalhousie University political science professor.

Jack Novack said a large number of mayoral challengers for HRM could work to the incumbent mayor’s advantage by dividing the anti-Peter Kelly vote amongst themselves.

“The actual dynamics will be very difficult to determine until we know what the slate looks like, and kind of take a look at what kinds of votes each of the candidates is likely to draw, and whether or not in doing so they will be allow someone to come up through the middle,” he said.

And that’s not the only advantage the incumbent has ‘ access to inside information, familiarity with the issues, and years in the corridors of municipal power add to Kelly’s advantage.

“That gives (incumbents) a bit of an edge to people who have perhaps have decided within the last six or 12 months and may not be as fully informed, or for people who have a single issue,” Novack said.

Kelly currently faces four challengers ‘ cab driver David Boyd, retired detective Tom Martin, Dalhousie student Matthew Wornona and north-end Halifax businessman Fred Connors. But the most familiar ‘ and perhaps the most formidable ‘ of Kelly’s challengers is expected to declare his candidacy Monday.

“If Mr. Savage comes in from Dartmouth, that could change (the dynamic) again entirely,” Novack said of former Liberal MP Mike Savage. “He probably wouldn’t be identified as a Haligonian and he might have much stronger appeal in (Kelly’s) strongholds.”

But Novack said even candidates who have little chance of winning can help by shaping the public debate.

“Elections are not just about winning. Elections are about platforms and public debate and people engaging themselves in the issues and vision about where we stand and where we want to go.”