Who should lead the NDP?

Robert Chisholm addresses Nathan Cullen, far left, and Romeo Saganash during the debate.(CBC)

Updated Wed., Dec. 21:

Nova Scotia MP Robert Chisholm has quit the NDP leadership race, acknowledging he won't be able to speak French fluently by March.

Updated Sun., Dec. 4:

The nine leadership candidates vying for the top job of the New Democratic Party did their best Sunday to show the members of their party and Canadians at large how they would manage the economy if elected NDP leader, in the first of six televised debates.

The first debate focused on the economy.

"It's the most important issue for voters, and it's also the most significant question that some voters would have about the NDP," said Harris-Decima pollster Bruce Anderson.

While the NDP's position on subjects like health and the environment are traditionally well known, the next leader of the NDP will have to show he or she "can manage the economy, especially in times of economic turmoil," said NDP interim deputy national director Sally Housser.

GRAPHIC: Who is running to lead the Opposition?

Updated Mon., Sept. 5:

In an exclusive interview with Peter Mansbridge, Layton's widow, Olivia Chow, announced she will not be seeking leadership of the NDP.

Originally posted Wed., Aug. 24:

In his last letter to Canadians, Jack Layton recommended that a leadership vote to elect his successor as leader of the NDP be held "as early as possible in the New Year."

Former NDP leader Jack Layton died on Aug. 22. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)"I recommend that Hull-Aylmer MP Nycole Turmel continue her work as our interim leader until a permanent successor is elected," Layton wrote.
 
But already speculation is swirling about who will be the next leader of the New Democrats. Facebook pages supporting some of the possible candidates have appeared.
 
CBCNews.ca has created profiles of some of the potential candidates, including the party's deputy leaders Thomas Mulcair and Libby Davies, Layton's wife Olivia Chow and the NDP's president Brian Topp.

Topp told the Canadian Press he is considering running for the leadership of the party.

"No one will replace Jack. But we can continue his work."

The final stretch is now under way. Which of the nine candidates should lead the NDP?

(This survey is not scientific. Results are based on readers' responses.)