TLICHO - James Wah-Shee will be hitting the campaign trail this week after a ruling deemed him eligible to run in the Tlicho grand chief byelection.

The Tlicho Government's Chiefs Executive Council (CEC) dismissed a complaint questioning Wah-Shee's residency last week.

The complaint, formally filed by grand chief candidate Edward Erasmus on Feb. 21, questioned whether or not Wah-Shee had lived in a Tlicho community for the required two years to be a candidate in the election. According to a press release from the Tlicho Government, "the complaint was filed because many people in Edzo and Yellowknife told Mr. Erasmus that they did not think Mr. Wah-Shee had lived in Edzo for the required second year period."

Wah-Shee said he has lived in Edzo (Behchoko) since February, 2009, and provided evidence - such as utility bills - to the returning officer as proof.

"I gave them just about 25 documents that clearly indicated that I had two-years residency," Wah-Shee said.

The complaint may have been, "a tactic to either delay (my campaign) or get me out of the race," said Wah-Shee. After learning of the complaint, Wah-Shee said his campaign had to be put on hold for eight days while awaiting the CEC's decision. As a result he had to delay two of his trips to outlying Tlicho communities.

The delay to his campaign may have given "some advantage" to the other candidates says Wah-Shee, but added "the candidates have every right to challenge the eligibility of their opponents."

Despite the delays Wah-Shee said he will have time to visit each of the three outlying Tlicho communities (Wekweeti, Whati, and Gameti). He said the trips are important even though the majority of Tlicho citizens eligible to vote live in Behchoko. "When you're a candidate for Tlicho grand chief you have to cover all three of the outlying communities."

Edward Erasmus could not be reached for comment before deadline.

In order to be eligible to run for Tlicho grand chief, Tlicho citizens must live in a Tlicho community (or on Tlicho lands) for at least two years before the day of the election. This requirement is part of the Tlicho Constitution.

"Because (Tlicho grand chief) is the highest office in the Tlicho nation, there has to be some commitment (on the part of the candidate)," said John B. Zoe, senior adviser to the Tlicho Government.

Zoe said there have been cases in Canada where a community's elected chief chose not to reside in their community, and it's those situations the residency requirement is designed to avoid.

When a complaint about a candidate's residency is filed it is taken seriously and a "very rigorous" process is used to resolve it, said Zoe. "It's better to know up front than after the election.

"You want to ensure the candidates qualify so there's no question once they get in (to office)."

Tlicho citizens will head to the polls on March 22 to vote. The three candidates for Tlicho grand chief are Edward Erasmus, Leon Lafferty, and James Wah-Shee. On Feb. 17, the Chief's Executive Council decided Jasper Lamouelle is not eligible to be a candidate in the election.

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