Petition In Black Lake Calls For New Vote

Petition In Black Lake Calls For New Vote

Friday, June 18, 2010 at 15:26

Community members in Black Lake have appointed a new chief electoral officer in the midst of an ongoing election controversy.

Rita Benoanie says she was named to the position at a meeting of over 400 band members earlier this week.

She says over 500 band members have signed a petition calling for a new vote (although 248 names appear on a petition provided to MBC), so she is making plans to hold a new chief and council election next Wednesday.

According to Benoanie, community members are upset with the destruction of ballots cast in a vote this past Friday — as well as the disqualification of the only challenger to incumbent chief Donald Sayazie.

Benoanie says she is confident Indian Affairs, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Prince Albert Grand Council will respect the wishes of those who signed the petition.

The electoral officials who have been in charge in recent weeks have not been available for comment.

Sayazie has declined to comment, but has said he has been told he will be the chief for the next two years.