When the municipal election takes place in Brandon on October 28, voters will encounter a more diverse range of choices for city council than ever before. With 10 wards in the city, half of them feature candidates from racialized backgrounds. Nearly one-third of the candidates are new Canadians originating from Africa and South Asia.
Emmanuel Ahaneku, an immigrant from Nigeria now residing in Brandon, believes this diversity could lead to a surge in voter turnout. Ahaneku, who has been part of the Brandon community for over twelve years and works for the City of Brandon, is also actively involved with Umu Igbo, a cultural association boasting close to 2,000 members. The organization focuses on aiding newcomers in integrating into the community while fostering pride in their heritage.
According to Ahaneku, the presence of candidates from diverse backgrounds will likely motivate individuals from various cultures to participate in the electoral process. He emphasized that newcomers eligible to vote would feel encouraged to engage in civic duties. Additionally, seeing candidates who reflect their communities is expected to enhance people’s trust in the system, particularly for those who previously lacked representation on the city council.
This election showcases the largest number of candidates in Brandon since 2010, with only one ward, Ward 6, being acclaimed. Heather Ewasiuk, Brandon’s senior election official, noted the unusual high number of candidates compared to previous elections. Ewasiuk expressed hope for a higher voter turnout this year, citing the full slate of candidates and an intriguing mayoral race involving two prominent contenders as potential factors drawing more voters to the polls.
Incumbent Mayor Jeff Fawcett, who assumed office four years ago after serving on the council for three terms, faces competition from Len Isleifson, a former city councillor and ex-member of the legislative assembly for Brandon East. Gautam Srivastava, a science professor at Brandon University born in Kolkata, highlighted the importance of diversity in local governance, stating that it brings a variety of perspectives and constructive debates to decision-making processes.
Srivastava emphasized that for newcomers, this election holds different significance based on their political backgrounds. While some are accustomed to democratic freedoms, others view their participation in the electoral process as a unique opportunity to engage in governance practices they lack in their home countries. With a total of 38,300 eligible voters in Brandon and a population of around 54,000, including nearly 9,200 immigrants, the upcoming election signifies a growing interest in civic engagement within the diverse Brandon community.