VANCOUVER -- Defeated candidates in the Musqueam band election say they intend to ask the federal government to investigate irregularities that led to a resounding re-election victory for Chief Ernie Campbell and all of his supporters on the 10-member council.

Band member Gail Sparrow, who was defeated in her bid to become chief in Monday's election, said some band members who live off the reserve did not receive their mail-in ballots, while some mailed-in ballots were not counted.

Those who were denied their chance to vote are drawing up affidavits to submit to the federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, she said.

Mike Sparrow, who lost a bid for a council seat by one vote, said some band members, including his niece and nephew, were recently moved out of mouldy homes on the reserve and relocated into social housing in Richmond. He said they did not receive ballots.

"I don't think (the election) was fair," he said.

However, Campbell dismissed the complaints, insisting off-reserve members cast ballots that were counted.

"I do not know why anyone would have any concerns," he said, adding that "everything was above board and legal."

He confirmed that results of a previous band election were challenged and federal officials upheld the results.

"It's great to get a good strong mandate from our community, not only for myself but for council," he said. "It shows they have confidence in myself and council to carry on."

Campbell said the priorities for the re-elected council include work on the 2010 Olympics, planning for development of Musqueam-owned lands and arranging band finances to provide better services for housing, health and education.

The election came months after a vocal campaign by a dissident group within the band who raised concerns about the disparity between the Musqueam people's multimillion-dollar assets and their lives in poverty.

The protesters blockaded the band office for a month to draw attention to their mould-infested homes with leaky roofs, the lack of band support for drug and alcohol programs, and the closing of a safe house for children at risk.

They pressed for each band member to receive $5,000 as their share of a $20-million out-of-court settlement with the B.C. government over disputed land claims.

In a show of strength, the dissident group defeated a proposal by council in a vote of 262-78 to limit the payout to $1,000.

The protesters had been confident that their support among band members was enough to win at least some seats on council and possibly change the leadership.

Unofficial results showed that Campbell, who has been chief since 2000, received 230 votes, Gail Sparrow 131 and Jordan Point 102. About 68 per cent of the eligible voters cast a ballot for chief.

Gail Sparrow, who was a member of the dissident group, said the protesters believed their support in the summer would translate into success in the election.

"We're stunned and shocked . . . People in my house were crying," she said.

Mike Sparrow, who was also involved with the dissident group, said he felt he did well for his first attempt to win a seat on the band council.

"I do not feel that I lost," he said. "It's just the beginning for me. I'm going to keep going."