The Saskatchewan NDP are set to select a new leader this weekend.
The leadership vote takes place Saturday, and is being held in conjunction with the party's convention that runs from Friday to Sunday in Saskatoon. New Democrat Party members from across the province are eligible to vote directly in that race, with many of them casting ballots in advance of this weekend.
The ballot is preferential with voters ranking the candidates in order 1-2-3, with the votes of the third-place finisher to be reallocated, according to preference, to the remaining candidates if no one achieves the necessary 50 per cent.
Three candidates - Cam Broten, Ryan Meili and Trent Wotherspoon - remain in contention in the leadership contest to be decided this weekend in what is widely seen as a close contest. A fourth candidate, Erin Weir, withdrew from the race in February to endorse Meili.
The new leader will take over from John Nilson, who has been interim NDP leader since the 2011 election. The convention plans a tribute to Nilson during its Friday session.
While this is widely viewed as Nilson's final week as interim leader of the party, it is entirely possible Nilson could still end up staying on as leader of the Opposition in the legislature beyond this weekend.
That scenario could play out should Meili win the leadership, as Meili does not hold a seat and would need a byelection in order to enter the legislature. Both Broten and Wotherspoon, however, are sitting MLAs and could take over immediately should they win the leadership.
The party has also announced a big name as part of the convention agenda: federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair.
Mulcair is scheduled to address the convention delegates Saturday afternoon, prior to the announcement of results of the first ballot.
