Two potential contenders for the Puteri Umno chief's post may be out of the race even before the Nov 1 election as their chances of securing the required number of nominations are said to be very slim.

Whispers have it that "unseen hands" are at work to prevent Mastina Abdul Hamid and Raihan Suleiman Palestine from even being deemed also-rans in the inaugural polls that would otherwise be a four-cornered fight.

The two, along with Mazibah Mohd Zin, have announced their intention to stand against pro tem chief, lawyer Azalina Othman Said.

As they gear up to tackle the rough and tumble of politics, they are only too aware that quite a few hurdles must be crossed first.