Updated 10.40pm Mukhriz Mahathir's lead increased as again Kedah divisions came out in support of him, this time Kuala Kedah and Padang Terap.

This brings his lead to 44 in total, while rival Khairy Jamaluddin picked up Sabah's Putatan nomination, taking him to 23.

Updated 8.00pm The three main Umno youth chief contenders have been sharing honours since voting resumed last night - and are still continuing today.

Frontrunner Mukhriz Mahathir, and trailing Khairy Jamaluddin and Dr Khir Toyo all picked up two nominations to edge their tallies to 42, 22 and 14 respectively.

The former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s son Mukhriz picked up Merbok yesterday and Pendang today - both from his home state Kedah.

Two other divisional meetings are also on today - Kuala Kedah and Padang Terap - and the Jerlun MP is expected to collect them both.

Rembau MP Khairy secured Sekijang yesterday and Trengganu’s Rantau Panjang came through today for him. However protests are already building up for the last result - over some alleged irregularities. This is the second instance, since his Gelang Patah win has also come under scrutiny.

Dr Khir Toyo is not letting up the chase for the nomination. Petaling Jaya Selatan’s vote of confidence in him yesterday was followed by Kemaman’s nod today.

At this rate all three are expected to be confirmed candidates for the March election.

Four youth divisions - Kubang Kerian, Kuala Kedah, Sembring and Padang Terap - have started their meeting late afternoon, and should be releasing results around 11pm.

Nominations for No 2

The other meetings - Ledang, Batu Pahat, Putatan, Tanjong Malim and Selayang - will be starting this evening and results expected in the wee hours.

While Mukhriz is strong for the two Kedah nominations, Khairy can expect to grab Tanjong Malim with Khir getting Selangor’s Selayang.

Speculations continue for the remaining four divisions, Johor’s Ledang, Batu Pahat and Sembrong and Sabah’s Putatan.

The race for the deputy chief's post has also been quite competitive.

Muar MP Razali Ibrahim is ahead of Reezal Merican Naina Merican 38 - 34 at the moment. Reezal however has won the last two outcomes in Pendang and Rantau Panjang and has narrowed Razali’s lead.

Both have the minimum and are therefore qualified to run in the party elections next year. The remaining nominations are to secure a symbolic win in the nomination contest, and use it to build a win in March.