The federal NDP officially launched the race to find its next leader on Tuesday, leaving seven months for interested candidates to mount a campaign.

The next NDP leader will be elected at a national convention in Winnipeg in March.

In a news release, the party says there has been strong interest in the leadership contest since Aug. 20, when the application packages were made available.

Former leader Jagmeet Singh resigned after he and the party suffered a stunning defeat in April's federal election. The NDP was reduced to seven seats and lost official party status.

Registered party members will vote on Singh's permanent successor using a ranked ballot, which allows delegates to list candidates in their preferred order.

Anyone running for the leadership must obtain at least 10 per cent

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