It's going to be an interesting time for the federal NDP

. That's according to Brandon University Associate Professor of Political Science Kelly Saunders, following the party's close 52 to 48 per cent decision to oust Thomas Mulcair as NDP Leader. Saunders says there's already much discussion surrounding who will take over, but that may not be the most urgent issue to address.

"I think it's a mistake, because then they're putting all their eggs in the leadership basket. I think the party needs to go through the heavy lifting of seeing what they stand for as New Democrats, what are the things they believe, what direction do they want to take the country in, what should they present to Canadians that's new and different and a real alternative to maybe what the status quo parties are doing. They need to ask those questions first."

She says the leadership race could be a challenge, as many in the party may be looking for a new Jack Layton. Layton led the NDP to an unprecedented 102 seats in the 2011 federal election, and Mulcair often invoked Layton's name during the 2015 campaign.

"The opportunity to find the next great Jack Layton, if that's what they're searching for they're not going to find it. I think he was really a one of a kind politician, and I think if they're putting all their eggs in that basket they're going to continue to disappoint themselves. They need to focus more on their ideas, what they stand for, what their vision is going forward, and how to separate themselves from the Liberal party."

Mulcair's remaining as the party's leader until a new leader is chosen within the next 24 months.