Nominations closed yesterday in the troubled Clutha-Southland National Party selection contest, but it is not known how many put their names forward.
Two candidates have publicly declared they are running - Hamish Walker, of Dunedin, and Allan Baird, of Benmore.
A third candidate, Nicky Davis, of Gore, has said she was likely to enter, but could not be reached yesterday.
It is just over six months since a bruising selection contest in the electorate, and the challenger then, Simon Flood, this week ruled himself out of running.
The electorate remains split, as some party members still support embattled MP Todd Barclay.
Even though Mr Barclay has stood down as the party's 2017 candidate, the ill-feeling is said to be affecting the new selection process.
Clutha-Southland electorate chairwoman Margot Hishon could not be reached for comment.
The candidate will be selected in mid-August, a little over a month ahead of the general election.
