Incumbent Wins Pelican Lake Band Election

Incumbent Wins Pelican Lake Band Election

Monday, March 12, 2007 at 15:26

Members of a Saskatchewan First Nation hope they have put their election woes behind them with a new vote featuring strict controls and safeguards.

The Pelican Lake First Nation has been plagued with bitter election disputes in recent years.

The courts and Indian Affairs had to become involved after several dissidents challenged the authority of long-time chief Peter Bill.

But on Friday, Bill captured his fourth term as chief by defeating three other candidates with 41 per cent of the vote.

It was Pelican Lake’s first election using a new instant electronic ballot tabulation system.

Chief electoral officer Denis R. Hall says the election drew almost 87 per cent of eligible voters — despite the fact over half of them live off-reserve.

Bill and the new band council, which includes three newcomers, will serve a 3-year term in office.