MCK Defies Canadian Court Decision re: Election

07/01/2009

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) announced today that it has refused to recognize last night’s order by the Federal Court to have an ineligible candidate’s name placed on the ballot as candidate for Grand Chief in the upcoming 2009 election. Additionally, the MCK offers its support to Electoral Officer Lindsay LeBorgne, who is upholding the original decision to disallow the candidate.

The MCK has repeatedly followed the community’s will by insisting that elections are held under the authority of the people of Kahnawà:ke and not the Canadian government.

This ruling completely disregards that assertion and is, indeed, an insult to this community. By this decision, the federal Court has acted in a paternalistic manner that hearkens back to the days of the Indian Agent.

The MCK is extremely disappointed that such a decision would be made with only four days remaining until the election. It is also ironic that the news of this decision comes on Canada Day, a day that is not celebrated in our community.

The fact that the judge insisted that it is within the ‘powers’ of Chief & Council to allow the ineligible candidate’s name to be placed on the ballot is contrary to the Kahnawà:ke Election Law. The Law clearly states that any and all decisions on a person’s eligibility shall be made by the Electoral Officer – not Chief & Council.