Canada's Liberal Party is in the midst of their convention and choosing their new leader. We have seen 3 ballots that have narrowed the field from 8 to 2. Now the contest is between Stephane Dion and Michael Ignatieff.
Who are these candidates?
Stephane Dion is a long-time Liberal, a Member of Parliament since 1996 and a professor of politics. Dion was the Minister of the Environment under ousted Prime Minister Paul Martin, and championed the Kyoto Agreement. As a result of Dion's stature in the international community on environmental issues, Canada holds the presidency of the UN's Framework on Climate Change Committee this year.
Michael Ignatieff is a newbie to Canadian politics, having only joined the scene in January, 2006. He is a well-known expert on human rights with many publications. He was the director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard University prior to returning to Canada in August, 2005.
Michael Ignatieff has been the front-runner in the race all along, with Dion trailing in 4th place behind former NDP Premier of Ontario Bob Rae and former Ontario Minister of Education Gerard Kennedy. Dion's leap into first place today in the 2nd and 3rd ballots was a surprise to some.
The question is who is going to draw the most votes in the last ballot.
The votes are now cast and we should be hearing the results around 5 pm (ET).
What is your prediction and how will it affect the next Canadian federal election?
You can also join in an active discussion about the leadership race with a lot of Canadian kossacks at The Next Agenda.
[Update] Final ballot results:
Stephane Dion has been chosen as the next leader of the Liberal Party! Whoo-hoo!!!