The seat of Murrumbidgee has received just three nominations - two shy of the five required.

Nominations closed last Friday but have now been extended to August 16.

It's understood the four remaining seats received at least five nominations, but only two have enough to go to a preselection ballot.

Bec Cody and Chris Steel are both running in Murrumbidgee with one other candidate confirmed.

After a recent redistribution, Murrumbidgee has gained the inner south suburbs of Yarralumla and Deakin, which could favour the Liberal Party.

All current Labor MLAs are understood to be running at the next election.

Joy Burch and Mick Gentleman could face the toughest battle to win preselection, with eight Labor candidates putting their hands up for the seat of Brindabella.

Seats with more than five candidates will face a party ballot to preselect candidates.

A Labor source said there was a pessimistic view about the party's chances in the upcoming election after 18 years in office.

They said there was a strong feeling it was not the right time to run with the "writing on the wall" for next year's election.

ACT Labor secretary Matt Byrne said he was confident Labor would be able to field a strong selection of candidates across the ACT.

"It's not unusual over the course of a preselction process to have to extend nominations," he said.

He said he was confident Labor would win next year's election.

"We're expecting a strong preselection and I'm looking forward to campaigning against the Liberals next year," Mr Byrne said.

daniella.white@canberratimes.com.au

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