Yellowknife (Dec 24/04) - A former president of the North Slave Metis Alliance is calling for fresh elections. This comes following the departure of three members from the organization's board of directors.

President-elect Sholto Douglas resigned Nov. 6, automatically bumping vice-president Enge into the top job. North Douglas had been president, but lost to Sholto -- his brother -- in an election last August.

A week after Sholto's resignation, two other directors -- Rae-Edzo representatives Tanya Lafferty and Hugh McSwain -- resigned, leaving the Alliance with only three directors and one short of the quorum required during board meetings.

The board no longer has any representation from Rae-Edzo, which is required under the Alliance's constitution.

Last week, Enge said he intended to fill the vacant positions by appointment.

"Bill Enge doesn't have the authority to nominate or appoint anybody to the board because he doesn't have quorum," North Douglas told Yellowknifer this week.

He said the only way to remedy the situation is to hold fresh elections to fill the Rae-Edzo void on the board. North said he intends to run.

He also criticized Enge for keeping his job with the territorial government -- he works for the NWT Housing Corporation -- which Douglas said puts him in conflict.

"Bill has to make up his mind," said North. "He can't be a government employee sitting across the table negotiating devolution and land claims."

Enge's quick rise to the presidency has raised eyebrows among some Alliance members.

Last year, he was still in the midst of a bitter court battle with the organization to regain his membership status after he and 87 other members were disenfranchised in 1998.

Enge said if North has a problem with his presidency or his aim to appoint replacements to the board, he should call a lawyer. He also criticized North for going to the media instead of talking to him first.

"Why doesn't he write a letter to me," said Enge. "If he's got something to say, he should say it to me."