KUALA LUMPUR: Victory is on the horizon for Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who have sped through the Umno vice-presidential race.
Wan Rosdy maintains his lead with 53 votes. Following closely behind is Khaled, who is Higher Education Minister and vice-president incumbent, with 52 votes.
Titiwangsa member of Parliament and Umno Federal Territories liaison chief Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani is likely to take the final vice-presidency post, garnering 38 votes.
Each candidate needs at least 63 votes to secure their win.
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said continues to fight for her spot, so far obtaining the support from 30 divisions.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) was earlier at third place, but was edged out by Johari.
Five votes behind her is Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican with 25 votes.
Things are however looking bleak for former Johor menteri besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad who is trailing behind with 15 votes, followed by the other incumbent, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid who obtained votes from 10 divisions.
Iskandar Puteri Umno division member Dr Mohd Yusof Musa, who submitted his nomination paper at the very last hour, had yet to gain any votes.
Two ministers and three deputy ministers are in the top 25 to secure a seat in the Umno Supreme Council.
They are Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
In the lead is Shamsul, with 51 votes, followed by Zambry (49 votes), and Zafrul (48 votes).
Meanwhile, Ahmad polled 46 votes and 34 divisions had voted for Abdul Rahman.
Former Puteri Umno chief Datuk Zahida Zarik Khan has entered the top 25 chart with 32 votes.
She is one of two female Umno leaders currently in the running. The other is Maran Umno chief Datuk Shahaniza Shamsuddin who gained 38 votes.