Appeals Tribunal Rules On Thunderchild Election

Tuesday, May 08, 2007 at 14:24

 

 

An election appeals tribunal on the Thunderchild First Nation has handed down its ruling on a recent election dispute on the reserve.

 

The six-member tribunal met last week to discuss matters related to the March 26th band election and a recount that took place shortly afterwards.

 

During the original vote, Dale Awasis was declared chief — only to see that decision reversed a week later after a recount tilted the vote in favour of Delbert Wapass.

 

The tribunal has ruled in favour of Awasis.

 

The panel determined the chief electoral officer did not follow the Thunderchild Constitution or the election act properly in determining whether or not markings with an ‘X’ or any other mark constituted a valid ballot.

 

It also found the recount itself was not done in accordance with the election act.

 

As well, it ruled the chief and council have powers to terminate members of the tribunal under limited circumstances.

 

Written reasons for the decisions have yet to come down.

 

Indian Affairs has already announced it is also recognizing Awasis as chief until further notice.