Sinn Féin have said the Special Ard Fheis to elect a new party leader will take place before the end of February next year.
The party said in a statement today that nominations for the position to succeed Gerry Adams will open in the New Year.
The party has set up a committee to arrange the special conference for early next year where the new party president will be selected.
The committee will be chaired by party ard runaí Dawn Doyle and party chairperson Declan Kearney.
The party's deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald is the current favourite to succeed Mr Adams.
A fortnight ago Mr Adams announced that he would be stepping down after 34 years in the role.
Senior figures such as Pearse Doherty and Michelle O'Neill have said they will not seek the position.
When announcing the succession process today, Sinn Féin party chairperson Declan Kearney said the party expects a general election to be held next year.
