Ottawa: Palestinian advocate and activist Yves Engler has announced that he has been barred from the New Democratic Party (NDP) leadership race.
Engler has appealed to the party’s Federal Council to overturn the Leadership Vote Committee’s decision to disqualify his candidacy.
The Montreal-based activist did not specify the exact reason for being disallowed from the contest. The NDP has also not yet commented on the matter.
Engler was charged earlier this year for threatening a Montreal police detective, with a verdict in the case expected in January.
He had previously stated that he had raised approximately $90,000 to participate in the leadership contest. However, the NDP’s Chief Electoral Officer stated that candidates cannot accept donations until they officially enter the race.
According to the NDP leadership rules, the Leadership Vote Committee can approve or reject candidates based on eligibility rules and integrity.
