Election results challenged

Observer Staff

11/5/2003 12:00:00 AM

A challenge filed over the results from the Secretarial Election on Sept. 30 has been forwarded to the Bureau of Indian Affairs' central office in Washington, D.C.

The challenge concerned how the votes were tabulated, according to Election Board Chairman Gerald Parish, who is also the acting superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Michigan Field Office in Sault Ste. Marie.

"They felt that the ballots should be tabulated as a whole and not by individual districts," he explained. Parish said the challenge was forwarded to the regional office then to Washington, D.C.

Another challenge was filed, but that one was considered late as it was not submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 3. It alleged ethical considerations and a "vote no" campaign promoted by Tribal Council.

Parish said usually there is a decision on the matter within 45 days, but anticipated it would be sooner.

"In all likelihood, it will be much, much sooner," he said.