The two men vying to become Manitoba's next premier and NDP party leader will spend the next two and a half days trying to ensure supporters show up to vote at a leadership convention this weekend.

Party delegates will choose either Steve Ashton or Greg Selinger as Manitoba's next top politician at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on Saturday.

Steve Ashton said he's looking to his speech at Saturday's leadership convention to help sway undecided delegates. (Province of Manitoba)Speeches from the candidates are set to begin just after noon, with voting to follow at 2 p.m. CT.

The result could be known by 4 p.m. CT.

Ashton told CBC News on Wednesday he's focusing his attention on his convention-day speech in an effort to sway undecided delegates.

"This is the leader of the province, and the premier," Ashton said. "and I think there's a real sense of people wanting to get to know you.

"And I think the speech is probably going to be the best opportunity … of my ability to communicate who I am, what I am and what I stand for," Ashton said.

Ashton said he thinks many delegates who are still on the fence will want to hear both candidates speak before choosing.

NDP leadership hopeful Greg Selinger is using the last few days before Saturday's vote to ensure delegates show up. (Province of Manitoba)Like his rival, Selinger said he's concentrating on delivering supporters to the convention floor and then the ballot box.

He also said he's reaching out to undecided voters to see if they have questions.

"At the end of the day, it's who's in the room when the vote starts that makes the decision," Selinger said.

The leadership vote became necessary after current Premier Gary Doer announced he was stepping down to become Canada's next ambassador to the U.S.

Doer said he would likely step down Oct. 18, the day after the new party leader is chosen.

CBC News will be providing extensive coverage of the leadership convention on Saturday, with live radio and TV broadcasts as well as live streaming of the event online.