Chris Ewen beats Jackie Hunt in Ritchot byelection to become mayor

The rural municipality of Ritchot has a new mayor months after a controversial resignation spurred a byelection.

Chris Ewen (742 votes) beat out former mayor Jackie Hunt (650 votes) on Wednesday night to become the new mayor of Ritchot, about 20 kilometres south of Winnipeg. Advance polling numbers earlier in the night had Hunt in the lead.

Hunt resigned as mayor of the rural municipality of Ritchot, Man., in May after more than two years in the post.

Hunt said the decision was heartbreaking but necessary in light of bullying, "name-calling and belligerent behaviour" she received from some council members. Councillors Jeannot Robert and Ron Mamchuk followed suit and also resigned.

Under the Municipal Act, if a council does not have enough members to meet quorum, the province may appoint an administrator. Roger Bouvier was appointed interim administrator of the municipality.

A byelection was called at the time and took place Wednesday in the community of about 4,000 potential voters, 20 kilometres south of Winnipeg.

Robert ran uncontested for his former position of councillor in Ward 3 and won.

Janine Boulanger (142 votes) beat out Corinne Web (78 votes) and Elmer Hywarren for the position of councillor in Ward 4.

Ron Mamchuk (224 votes) was re-elected as councillor in Ward 2, besting his next closest rival, Jeff Egan (190 votes).

Shane Pelletier (333 votes) won the race for councillor in Ward 1, beating Larry Niebel (256 votes).

Thirty-nine per cent of eligible residents cast ballots in the byelection.