Andrew Merilees has won the byelection for village council in Masset, defeating rival Arbor Osborne 86 votes to 33.The unofficial count was released by the chief election officer at 8:25 pm Saturday.Mr Merilees is a supporter of a thriving local economy, which he would like to see increase and become more balanced.He has lived in Masset 8 years, and among other things, has served on the Haida Gwaii tourism Association.We'll have more in the Observer on Thursday.