COMMUNITY UPDATE: PROPOSED LANGUAGE FOR AKWESASNE ELECTION LAW AMENDMENT & REFERENDUM DECISION

The Akwesasne Election Law (AEL) Working Task Group (WTG) is notifying the community of the proposed language for an amendment that was accepted in principle by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. This revision reflects community feedback and incorporates two legal reviews.

The Working Task Group revised the language to better reflect the intent and inclusivity of the law. Specifically, the word “votes” was removed, and the phrase “of eligible voters from that District Chief’s district” was added. Moving forward, the language will read as follows:

(a) A petition requesting the removal of a District Chief is signed by an equal number plus one of eligible voters from that District Chief’s district, based on the official total number of votes he or she received on election or by-election day, and delivered to the Council at a duly convened General Meeting; or…

As outlined in the Akwesasne Legislative Enactment Procedural Regulation (ALEPR), the next step required Council to determine whether the enactment would occur through a secret ballot vote at a Special General Meeting or by Referendum. On November 3, during its regular meeting, Council passed a resolution confirming that the method of enactment shall be by way of Referendum.

Once dates and locations are confirmed, the community will receive full details about the Referendum and the schedule of informational meetings prior to the vote.

The Working Task Group will continue to keep the community informed and share updates as new information becomes available.

If you have questions for your Community District Representatives on the Oversight Committee or general inquiries, please contact Legislative Services Manager Alyson Thompson at alyson.thompson@akwesasne.ca.