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The Penticton Indian Band heads to the polls today in a deeply controversial byelection to fill five open council seats.
The seats were vacated by resignations, with opponents of Chief Chad Eneas calling for an entirely new election.
The dissident group aligned with former Chief Jonathan Kruger say the PIB government has collapsed and no longer has quorum with just four of nine original members of Chief and Council remaining.
Longtime electoral officer Valerie Baptiste was removed from her post shortly after she called for an entirely new election and replaced with Westbank First Nation legal counsel Julia Buck “to remove any perception of bias.”
“The man (Eneas) used to be out in the community a lot. We would see him in community activities, luncheons, funerals,” Baptiste said. “We haven't seen him once. He stopped being a part of the community when he was voted in. I say he’s not my Chief.”
The federal government has stated it will not be getting involved in the disagreement, citing the First Nation’s custom election code.
The Penticton Indian Band released a statement Tuesday, ensuring the current Chief and council is not involved in the running of the by election in any way.
“It is important for all voting members to have the right to access the polling station, unimpeded, without duress. We have taken measures to ensure the protection of this non-bias, democratic process,” Eneas said.
Security was already on site when the small group of protesters showed up Wednesday morning and attempted to block the front door. Some voters simply went around the protest, and used the band hall's side door.
RCMP eventually arrived, and protesters began allowing voters through the front door.
“We want to get a full governance table and begin the community mediation process so all membership has the chance to have their ideas and opinions considered,” Eneas continued in his statement.
Eneas has been receiving calls for his resignation since the spring from dissidents in the community. In October, the PIB filed lawsuit against six former councillors for allegedly blocking band business.
Eight community members put their names forward for election.
Results will be released Thursday.
