Snowdrift (Apr 11/05) - The Lutsel K'e Dene Band is keeping an election code rule barring drinkers from running for chief.

A special assembly was held April 5 to discuss the contentious issue in advance of an April 13 election for chief.

Most at the assembly opposed any change.

Acting band manager Ray Griffith says there was a lot of discussion about the rule, which states a candidate for chief must be sober for at least two years. "There were some strong words said."

Griffith notes many people in the community are sober or working towards it. "They were quite strong against changing (the rule)."

No vote was taken among the up to 65 band members who attended the special assembly. There was a quorum, meaning the rule could have been changed for this week's election.

Promoters of a change argued the existing rule is undemocratic and too restrictive, and limits the number of people able to run.

However, Bernadette Lockhart, a defender of the sobriety rule, says it has served the community well.

The former band councillor says the rule gives people a choice. "If you drink, you can't be a leader."

As of late last week, no one had been nominated for the election. Nominations close April 12.

The election became necessary following Archie Catholique's disputed ouster as chief - along with his council - by an early February membership vote. A new council was elected Feb. 24.

Catholique has refused to accept his dismissal and has suggested he might take the issue to court.