Luck of the draw decides outcome of MCA by-election

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne held a by-election Saturday for four Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island) district chiefs. When two of the candidates, Wesley Benedict and Cheryl Jacobs, tied for the fourth spot, their names were put into a hat and Benedict’s name was drawn out by the chief electoral officer Leona Benedict.

MCA’s Election Code calls for a coin toss or luck of the draw in the event of a tie during an election.

Louise Thompson received the most votes Saturday with 122. Brian David received 107 votes and Abram Benedict received 96, making them, along with Wesley Benedict, the four successful candidates. Other candidates were Thomas Francis with 68 votes, Joyce Gaspe with 23 votes, Joanne Jocko with 79 votes, Elaine Lazore with 31 votes, Victor Martin with 21 votes, Laura Morris with 26 votes, Rosemary Square with 23 votes and Roger Thompson with 52 votes.

The results have not yet been certified pending an appeal period.

The Kawehno:ke election was held initially on schedule last June when the general MCA election was held. All three districts hold elections on the same day, each electing four district chiefs. One grand chief is also elected overall. After last June’s election, an appeal was accepted regarding Kawehno:ke’s election and a by-election was called for an held on November 7, 2009. It also was appealed for violations of the election procedures and a second by-election was ordered. In both the regular general election as well as the first by-election, the same four individuals received the most votes – Abram Benedict, Wesley Benedict, Cheryl Jacobs and Brian David. This past weekend’s vote, however, produced a different outcome.

At a “Meet the Candidates” event held on Friday night before the by-election, only Louise Thompson, Roger Thompson, Joyce Gaspe, Victor Martin and Brian David attended.

Louise Thompson described herself as someone familiar with MCA politics and the duties of Council members as a result of her work experience. She said that she didn’t campaign and believed she had proven, in other ways, her commitment to the community. She is a life-long resident of Kawehno:ke and now a first-time chief.

Brian David said he accepted his nomination for district chief out of respect for those who nominated him. He believes he’s been called to public duty. The three main issues on his agenda are the border and CBSA crisis, the exploration of Broadband in Akwesasne, and the expansion of the waterline to all residents of Kawehno:ke. David previously served an MCA term as a district chief for Kana:takon from 1991-1994.

Both Wesley Benedict and Abram Benedict will serve their second consecutive terms.

If no appeals are accepted for Saturday’s by-election, MCA’s next election will be in 2012.

If and when the four newly elected chiefs are sworn in, they will join the other chiefs on Mohawk Council: Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, Kana:takon district chiefs Julie Philips-Jacobs, Larry King, Rachel Roundpoint and Florence Phillips, and Tsi Snaihne district chiefs Joe Lazore, John Adams, Karen Loran and William Sunday.