Four days before advanced polling was set to start, shíshálh Nation is cancelling and rescheduling its upcoming by-election.
A Nov. 8 press release stated that an administrative error and miscommunication related to the eligibility of by-election candidates was brought to the Nation's attention.
The chief administrative officer and chief electoral officer decided that the communication error was serious enough to question the fairness of the electoral process, which resulted in the election being cancelled, said the release.
The release said that, in the Nation’s best interest, it was determined to recognize the error to ensure transparency and accountability to both leadership and the Nation.
Information about the new election dates, including the nomination process will be released in the coming weeks.
Copies of the shíshálh Nation Constitution and shíshálh Nation Election and Referendum Law can be obtained at the shíshálh Nation's Administration Building and electronically on shíshálh Nation's website.
The by-election was triggered when one of the Nation’s councillors, Shain Niniwum Salepem Jackson, stepped down from his role in September.
The initial nomination meeting was held on Oct. 4, where five candidates put their names forward.
A candidates’ meeting was held on Oct. 16, where Nation members were able to meet the candidates and hear about their respective platforms. The next day, two candidates dropped out of the running, leaving Warren Paull, Carol Louie and Randy Joe as the final three contenders.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
