Herman Many Guns has been elected to Piikani Nation council with a decisive 99-vote lead in Monday’s byelection and officially assumes office today.

Many Guns received 153 votes, while his opponent, Glenda Rose Pard, received 54. Deputy electoral officer Shelly Eli shared the result on July 23, confirming Many Guns’ victory with a strong majority.

The byelection was held to fill the council seat left vacant after coun. Martin Iron Shirt’s resignation took effect on Dec. 31, 2024. Chief and council issued formal notice of the byelection June 17.

Voting took place July 22 at the Piikani Nation Community Hall in Brocket. Manual voting was used, with the ballots counted by hand.

In an earlier interview with Shootin’ the Breeze, Many Guns spoke of his desire to bring greater transparency, accountability and unity to council leadership. He also identified economic development, support for education and investment in youth as key priorities for the remainder of the term.

 “When you run for election, you’re there to serve your people,” he said. “The most important thing is to do things honestly, truthfully and be transparent.”