Former chief candidate wants recent Behchoko, N.W.T., election overturned

A former candidate for chief is asking the N.W.T. Supreme Court to overturn the results of an election for chief in the community of Behchoko.

• Election results for Behchoko, Whati, Gameti, and Wekweeti

Leon Lafferty, a former N.W.T.MLA and chief, was one of five candidates running for chief of the community in the June 12election. He lost to incumbent Clifford Daniels by 36 votes.

Lafferty is now asking an N.W.T. judge to launch a judicial review of the way the election was conducted. He's also asking for the results to be overturned and for a new election to be called as soon as possible.

In court documents, Lafferty says the returning officer neglected their duties,claimingvoters were turned away from polling stations and that illiterate voters were duped into voting for certain candidates.

"...this deliberate action had a profound effect on the outcome of the election for Chief," Lafferty wrote.

He also claims polling stations were left unattended on voting day and that ballot boxes weren't properly sealed.

None of theallegations have been proven in court.

In a written statement, Chief Clifford Daniels said he respects Lafferty's legal right to challenge the results but says the process "can be lengthy, and costly for both the Community Government of Behchoko and for [Lafferty]."

A judge will decide Friday whether or not a review will take place.