DENINU KU'E/FORT RESOLUTION - An election for a new chief and three councillors for Deninu Ku'e First Nation has been postponed once again.

The vote had been set for Nov. 2, however, the Fort Resolution band put up notices last week advising members the election was being postponed on the advice of legal counsel.

The reason given is the wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the band by former chief Bill Norn, who was ousted by council in 2007.

The notice stated the election will be postponed until that ongoing legal issue is dealt with by the courts.

"According to legal counsel, if the election were to proceed as scheduled, at this time, it would have no force or effect," the notice reads. "Therefore, the Deninu Ku'e First Nation has no alternative but to await the court decision before an election can take place."

Acting Chief Louis Balsillie said he is disappointed the election has been postponed, noting it is going to upset a lot of people.

Since Norn was ousted, many band members have been disgruntled there has not been an election for a new chief.

The election, when it is held, will decide upon a new chief to complete the remaining two years of Norn's term. Balsillie has previously said he won't be running. Three band councillors will also be elected to four-year terms.

No date has yet been set for a hearing on Norn's lawsuit in the Supreme Court of the NWT.

However, Balsillie said the band will push to have a hearing in November or December.

He said he will remain acting chief until the court case is concluded, even though he was elected to a four-year term as councillor in October of 2005.

The acting chief said, according to the band's election code, officials remain in place until their replacements are chosen.

Balsillie said an election will not be held just for three councillors.

The election was first set for Oct. 5, but was postponed when the electoral officer resigned.