THE federal NDP announced on Thursday that five individuals have met the requirements under their leadership rules related to the entry fee and nomination signatures, and will appear on the ballot for the leadership vote. The nomination period is now closed. “With the close of the nomination period and the cut-off for the sale of new memberships, the contestants and their campaigns can now shift into the next phase of this exciting leadership race.”The party will host an official leadership debate on Thursday, February 19 at 5 p.m. PT in BC’s Lower Mainland. It will be hosted by award-winning journalist Hannah Thibedeau. The new leader will be announced at the national convention in Winnipeg on Sunday, March 29.