(Toronto) The New Democratic Party of Ontario has set the rules for a leadership contest that will see a new leader in place by the first week of March 2023.
Posted at 4:36 p.m.
The party’s provincial council released the rules on Friday night, saying candidates who want to enter the race have until early December to register.
Anyone seeking to lead the political formation will be required to submit 100 signatures in support of their candidacy, including at least 50% women and 25% party members who identify as members of other equity-seeking groups.
The leader will be elected by preferential ballot, which means that voters can choose the candidates they prefer in order of preference. The candidates will take part in two debates.
The leadership race was sparked last month when Andrea Horwath, who led the NDP for 13 years, resigned after the June 2 provincial election saw her party regain official opposition status.
Toronto caucus veteran Peter Tabuns is the party’s current acting leader, while MPs Marit Stiles, Wayne Gates and Laura-Mae Lindo have all previously indicated they are considering running for office.