Challenger In Band Chief Election Ruled Ineligible

Challenger In Band Chief Election Ruled Ineligible

Wednesday, June 09, 2010 at 15:53

 

 

An election on the Black Lake First Nation is under dispute.

 

The candidate running against incumbent chief Donald Sayazie says he has been informed by election officials that he won’t be allowed to run in the campaign.

 

David Bigeye says he was told it was because he had a criminal record.

 

But, according to Bigeye, that shouldn’t be the case because he has visited the RCMP and been told his record is clean.

 

Bigeye feels the election is being stolen from him, and says all he wanted was a fair chance to compete.

 

The election was scheduled to be held this Friday.

 

The chief electoral officer for Black Lake resigned days ago.

 

New electoral officer Tanya Nilgae says she can’t comment right now.

 

Sayazie also refused to comment.