Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (May 31/02) - Acho Dene Koe First Nation members will go to the polls tomorrow to elect a new chief and council.

Incumbent Chief Judy Kotchea will face off against three other challengers: Floyd Bertrand, Irene McLeod and Steve Kotchea.

There are 13 candidates for the six council seats.

One will automatically go to a youth delegate, while another will go to an elder, either Joe or Stanley Bertrand.

Earlier last month, the current band council passed strict guidelines for the chief and councillors upon entering office. Those responsibilities include remaining sober and showing strong, positive moral values while in office.

Advance polls for the election were held last Monday.

A public forum was held the night before, but only two candidates for chief -- Judy Kotchea and Floyd Bertrand -- showed up.

There were a few members of the public in attendance, said senior administrative officer Andrea LocHam.

"I think everyone went up the river on the weekend," said LocHam. "There was also a carnival in Fort Nelson (B.C.). It could've been just bad timing."