27 October, 2014
Canada’s national capital will have to wait another four years before getting another chance to elect its first candidate of African, Caribbean or Black heritage. Monday’s municipal elections followed the pattern of previous ones, gallant but finally futile efforts by candidates, often competing in a rather crowded electoral landscape, with some wards fielding up to nine candidates. Mayoral candidate Bernard Couchman came in 8th position, in a vote that incumbent Jim Watson won in a landslide. Gloucester-Southgate had two black candidates; Lilly Obina came in at second place (as she had done in 2010) behind the winning incumbent, Diane Deans, while Mohamed Roble placed fifth in a field of eight candidates. Likewise Innes ward fielded two black candidates: Eldon Holder Jnr. who came in 6th, while Chris Fraser placed 8th, out of nine candidates. That seat went to Afghan war hero and Amazing Race Canada contestant Jodi Mitic. Capital ward was won by incumbent David Chernunushenko, with Espoir Manirambona placing third out of three candidates. Rideau-Vanier was no different; George Atanga placed 5th behind winner, incumbent Mathieu Fleury, in a field of six candidates. Finally in Kanata-South, police officer David Abuwa placed third in a race won by incumbent Allan Hubley, in a field of three candidates.
