A youth slate seeking a return to more traditional customs claimed victory Monday in the weekend election at the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Surrey, B.C.
But members of the Sikh Youth said they weren't sure when - or if - their opponents would surrender control at the temple.
"It now remains to be seen whether the outgoing management will give charge of the Gurdwara Sahib to the youth slate or continue to drag out the process in courts as they have done for the last three years," Bikramjit Singh Sandher, a leader of the youth slate, said in a statement.
Sunday's vote was prompted by a B.C. Supreme Court order that set aside a victory by a youth slate last year, after finding irregularities in the nomination process.
The group said they received 13,458 votes in the Sunday election, compared to 7,257 votes for the incumbents.
"The Sikh community has loudly indicated their desire for a positive change," the group said.
Calls to the temple and the former president were not immediately returned.
Control of one of the largest Sikh temples on the continent has been an issue since violence flared in 1997, largely over whether tables and chairs should be used in the temple dining hall.
Opponents of the furniture say it violates traditional Sikh values but Sandher says some tables and chairs will remain, for worshippers too old or ill to be comfortable on the floor.
The traditionalist youth said their aim is to reunite a divided congregation at the temple and address the "real issues" that plague their community.
"We must all join together to save our children from drugs and gangs, to provide support and equality to women, and to ensure the best services for our seniors. We must renew our mission to serve all of humanity now that we are united," said a statement.
The Sikh Youth won control of the gurdwara in New Westminster in 2006. Among its plans, the group has said it will set up "task forces" within the temple to address youth development, women's issues and interfaith religious outreach.
