ELTON, La. (AP) – Former Coushatta Tribal Chairman Lovelin Poncho was re-elected to the position Saturday.

Poncho, who led the tribe for more than 20 years, will fill the position being vacated by Chairman Kevin Sickey who did not seek re-election on Saturday.

The American Press reports received 214 votes over challenger Michelle “Missy” Litteral who got 104 votes.

Poncho will officially take office Wednesday during inaugural ceremonies for elected officials.

He will take office along with Jonathan Cernek, who was elected to his first term on the Tribal Council and Jerold Poncho, who was elected to a second term on the council during a May 25 election.

The chairman and council members serve four-year terms under the Coushatta Tribal Election ordinance.

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Information from: American Press, http://www.americanpress.com