"Getting Better All the Time?": Leadership Selection and the Manitoba NDP

Abstract

In failing to achieve many of the benefits associated with delegate conventions, and realizing most of their shortcomings, the Manitoba New Democratic Party appears poised to adopt a new method of leadership selection. Based on the party’s base of support, history, and experiences during the most recent leadership race in 2009, the following analysis suggests NDP members may look most favourably upon a “hybrid” approach to selecting their next leader. This would allow the party to maintain many of the advantages of the convention model, while incorporating the strengths of a one-member, one-vote system.