Only 1 candidate so far in Yukon NDP leadership race

The race for a new leader of the Yukon's New Democratic Party is underway, but it remains to be seen whether there will be a contest at all.

Only one candidate, Mount Lorne NDP MLA Steve Cardiff, has declared his intentions to seek the job held by Todd Hardy.

Citing health reasons, Hardy announced in February that he would step down as NDP leader once a successor is chosen.

At a meeting over the weekend, party officials set a leadership convention for Sept. 26. People interested in running have until Sept. 5 to submit their nominations, and until Sept. 12 to sign up supporters.

"Basically, if someone's interested, they have the summer to organize and start thinking about it and get it together," NDP acting president Boyd Pyper told CBC News on Tuesday.

Pyper said every party member who attends the convention will have a vote under a "one member, one vote" system." Members in good standing will also be offered a mail-in ballot option.

While Cardiff is the only official candidate so far, Pyper said he has heard rumours of others thinking of running.

"One week, there's nobody putting their name forward; another week I've got like six names coming forward," he said.

"But at this point the only person who's officially declared is Steve Cardiff, the MLA for Mount Lorne."

Pyper said he is not sure if a leadership contest or a coronation would be better. Henoted that a race can create excitement but also potentially lead to divisions within the party.

He said his goal is to hold an open, democratic process with the best person coming out on top.