A new report finds problems with custom-made First Nations election systems.
The Fraser Institute feels the systems can lead to abuse of power and discrimination as 57% of First Nations have discarded the current Indian Act election system for their own rules for chief and council elections.
The Indian Act gave the federal government oversight into First Nations elections, but custom-made systems, approved by Ottawa, relaxed that federal oversight.
Some First Nations have tried to ban members who live off-reserve from running or voting, a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Other bands have tried to stop people of certain ages, or from certain types of marriages, from participating.
The study recommends First Nations adopt constitutions to help protect their election system from abuse.
