No consensus at Community Consultation for proposed amendments to Kahnawake Election Law

11/27/2013

The Kahnawà:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission (KLCC) wishes to inform Kahnawa’kehró:non that consensus was not reached at last evening’s Community Consultation on the draft amendments to the Kahnawà:ke Election Law.

Whether to remove the 50% ‘bloodline’ requirement to be eligible to run for office was the only proposed amendment discussed. Group 1 came to consensus to reject the amendment and maintain the 50% bloodline requirement. Group 2 was not able to reach consensus, though a small majority supported Group 1’s rejection of the amendment. At that point the session ended, as scheduled, at 8:30pm. 

As there was no consensus, a second Community Consultation will be scheduled – most likely early in the New Year.

In order to facilitate discussion, a recommendation was accepted to conduct a simple survey to gauge public opinion in this matter. This was due to concerns of low attendance and the fact that several community members in attendance stating that they were asked to speak on behalf of family or other community members. The survey will be conducted at a Kiosk at the Services Complex and will take place before the next meeting. An announcement will be made when this is to occur.