Ken Kyikavichik said late on Tuesday he had launched an appeal against this week’s preliminary result of the Gwich’in grand chief election.
Monday’s election resulted in the declaration of former MLA Frederick Blake Jr as the winner by 604 votes to 515.
However, an appeal period exists at the end of any such election in which candidates can ask for the result to be reviewed if they have concerns.
Writing to a Facebook group for his campaign, Kyikavichik – who was the incumbent, having been first elected in 2020 – said he had filed an appeal earlier on Tuesday.
“In my opinion, there were false accusations and statements that potentially impacted the outcome,” he wrote, without elaborating.
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“It was not an easy decision but one that warrants a review in light of the election offences that I believe have occurred under our election policy. It is important that this policy is adhered to and respected.
“Once this is completed we can determine our next steps. Either way, I will always continue to support our Gwich’in Tribal Council in any way I can.”
Blake and Kyikavichik were the only candidates in the race. Elections for the position are held once every four years.
