Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Rae (Feb 25/02) - A would-be candidate for the chief's spot is accusing the band council of meddling in the election -- charges the band's electoral officer denies.

Jackson Lafferty told News/North last Thursday he was told he couldn't re-submit his name into the election race for chief because the band council vetoed the move.

"I was told I couldn't run after (the chief returning officer) checked with council and the chief," said Lafferty.

Lafferty announced on community radio Feb. 15 that he was withdrawing from the election -- two days after he accepted the nomination.

Marilyn Martin, electoral officer denied the charge, claiming she never spoke with him on the issue.

"I never told him he couldn't run, I don't understand where it is coming from," said Martin.

Clifford Daniels, band sub-chief, said the band council did not meddle in the election.

"Everything goes through the election's returning officer," said Daniels. "Whatever they say goes and we can't do anything about it."

Lafferty claims he was told by the electoral officer he couldn't re-enter the race on Feb. 17 after he was told the previous day he could run.

He said he decided to re-enter the election after nearly 25 people visited his house Feb. 16 and asked him to reconsider.

He was the only opposition to incumbent Chief Eddie-Paul Rabesca.

Martin said the people of Rae should decide whether Lafferty should be allowed to run and suggested a public meeting be held.

The kick-off for the election reflects the political turmoil within Rae.

Since an explosive meeting last May, a group within the community has continuously voiced concerns about the current band council's leadership.

They claim the band never consults the community on decisions or informs them of projects and band councillor travel.

Elder Alphonse Eronchi and a small delegation from Rae travelled to Yellowknife to meet with News/North Thursday to voice their frustration.

Eronchi said Chief Rabesca needs to be challenged and a win by acclamation does not reflect the desire of the community.

"A lot of people want change. This is about the whole community. A lot of people just don't say anything," said Eronchi.

"Jackson should be chief, everyone likes him," said the elder.

The group said they want a public meeting to decide if Lafferty should run.

"You have to let the people decide," said Eronchi. "It's up to the people."

Last November a group of band members circulated a petition to split from the band.

Things seemed to have quelled after the band opened its books last month, but discontent simmered.

A few weeks after the meeting residents began to question why the band spent $668,866 on staff and councillor wages, honorariums and travel.

Daniels said the turmoil is caused by the same group -- a belief held by other councillors.

Eronchi said discontent is more widespread.

"People just don't say anything," said Eronchi.