Federal government overturns Manitoba First Nation's election

Federal government overturns Manitoba First Nation's election

The federal government has overturned election results for Lake St. Martin First Nation, north of Winnipeg, for the second time in five years.

The election was held Sept. 10, 2009, and, after an appeal and independent investigation, the federal cabinet ordered the election's results overturned June 3, citing violations of Indian band election regulations.

"The chief and the six councillors were advised on June 7," said Indian and Northern Affairs Canada spokeswoman Margot Geduld. "This is after careful examination and an independent investigation. This decision isn't taken lightly."

Geduld said the violations included failing to maintain control of the ballot process, opening mail-in ballots and depositing them into the ballot box, failing to maintain adequate records of mail-in ballots and allowing individual electors to vote more than once. --->>>