Important - MCK calls for new election for four KCSC general representatives

11/15/2012

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that it is declaring the November 7th, 2012 Kahnawake Combined Schools Committee (KCSC) elections null and void, and as a result, is calling for a new election for four (4) KCSC general representatives.

The MCK has severe concerns with the validity of the elections due to interference in the security of the ballot and conduct of the elections. MCK was informed shortly following the Kahnawake Education Center Annual General Assembly (AGA) that an ineligible voter participated in the voting process and a ballot was removed from the voting results. In addition, several written complaints contesting the elections results based on process infractions have since been filed with the MCK.

Chiefs Rhonda Kirby and Bobby Patton formally met with representatives of the KCSC on Wednesday, November 14th to address the concerns/complaints and recommend corrective measures be taken immediately.  While the KCSC agreed that mistakes were made, they felt that these should be overlooked and that the results be allowed to stand. The MCK strongly disagreed with this assessment and is taking necessary actions to mitigate further risks and declare the KCSC election null and void.

“The complaint letters directly question the integrity of the election process and demand corrective action be taken,” said Chief Kirby. “As co-host, we (MCK) had invested a lot of effort into the preparations and conduct of the AGA with the KCSC representatives and could not foresee some of the incidents. However, I do recognize and confirm that there were errors made and the removal of a ballot did occur. Individuals who were part of the planning process did not adhere to that process, which they jointly developed and approved at the outset.

“The issue of education is far too important to overlook mistakes, faulty or invalid processes in the selection of parent representatives” she continued. “The MCK’s interests in this issue are not to take over education, but simply to ensure that our Kahnawà:ke education system is accountable, transparent and meets the needs of the people.”

The MCK will issue regular updates to ensure all Kahnawa’kehró:non are kept informed of activities. Please visit www.kahnawake.com regularly to stay informed.