Two days before nominations for PAS party elections closes, the contest for the number two spot up heats up with Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah qualifying  to stand after getting three nominations.

Mohd Amar's possible entry brightens incumbent Mohamad Sabu's chances to defend his seat successfully.

This in spite of unofficial results from 134 out of 191 divisions showing Mohamad Sabu securing 12 nominations compared to Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man's 99.

PAS election history has shown that a three-cornered fight would favour those with minority support.

In 2009, Mohamad - or better known as Mat Sabu – lost to then incumbent Nasharuddin Mat Isa following a split in the votes after pro-Pakatan Rakyat Husam Musa entered the fray.

In 2011, there was a split in the pro-ulama votes which saw Mat Sabu winning the seat.

His biggest test came in 2013 in a straight one -on-one fight with Mat Sabu where he managed to pull off a win with a slim majority of 98 votes.

For the current contest, Mat Sabu, as a national leader, has a slight advantage over Mohd Amar.

Mat Sabu to defend?

However, the bigger question in the June party elections will be whether Tuan Ibrahim and Mohd Amar fail to agree on a straight fight with Mat Sabu thereby brightening the chances of the latter defending his position for the third time in a row.

If there were to be a straight fight for the deputy president's post, Mat Sabu may consider withdrawing as he is in a precarious position having secured only 12 nominations - not a good sign.

Mohd Amar, meanwhile, is seen as more popular after he moved on the implementation of hudud  law in Kelantan.

Tuan Ibrahim ( right ) on the other hand is seen as attracting support from both the pro-ulama faction and the pro-Pakatan professionals group in the party.

This follows his stand in supporting Pakatan ally PKR in the coming Permatang Pauh by-election although he has different worldview from party supremo Abdul Hadi Awang.

While Hadi has not yet indicated his support for PKR candidate  Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in the by-election, Tuan Ibrahim has already done so despite Hadi's 'support a pro-hudud candidate' stand.

This is seen as earning Tuan Ibrahim support from both factions within the party.

Hadi's chances is bright

Hadi, meanwhile. is set to retain the PAS presidency for the sixth term following strong grassroots support for him.

This is despite his clash with Pakatan partners including DAP who strongly disagreed with his stand on the hudud law implementation matter.

Hadi ( left ) is far in front with 99 nominations compared to ulama Ahmad Awang with three and Husam's eight nominations respectively.

Despite months of controversy, Hadi seems to be on course to retain the top post with his challengers remaining undecided as to whether to take him on.