She received 179 votes in Thursday’s election, while opponent AJ Francis had 102 votes cast for him.
This will be the 44-year-old Paul’s third term as chief. Prior to becoming chief, she served two terms as a councillor. She is also an educator and is the First Nations representative for the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board.
Dominic Denny, Derek Francis and Gordie Prosper were re-elected as councillors, with Denny receiving 117 votes, Francis getting 91 and Prosper receiving 62. Prosper and Francis have served two previous terms, while this will be Denny’s fifth term.
Despite receiving the same number of votes as Prosper, Wayne Denny was not re-elected. When a tie occurs, both names are put into a hat and the election officer draws one. Denny had been a councillor for more than 25 years. Crystal Ann Denny was also not re-elected, getting 55 votes.
Along with the three returning councillors, Haley Bernard (86 votes), Barry Francis (64 votes) and Marsha (Mills) Phillips (66 votes) were elected as councillors.
Band elections are held every two years, and 393 members – living on and off the reserve – were eligible to vote in the election. Members living outside of PLFN are able to cast votes by mail.
Electoral officer Tricia Fultz of the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq said 71 per cent of eligible voters cast ballots, which is a good turnout.
The new council will take effect on Nov. 30.
