The Conservative government has reintroduced the First Nations Elections Act in the House of Commons.
Bill C-9 addresses some longstanding issues that bands and the Harper government have with the current election system under the Indian Act.
It extends the terms of office for chiefs and councils, introduces a more robust nomination process, adds penalties for defined offences and fraudulent activities and raises the possibility for common election days among several First Nations.
The government says the bill incorporates the recommendations provided by the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
The legislation could potentially affect the 238 First Nations who still hold their elections under the Indian Act and choose to opt into the new framework.