Nunavut’s upcoming territorial government is set to include a blend of familiar faces and new entrants, as several former MLAs, including the deputy premier, were defeated in the recent election. Pamela Gross, the former deputy premier from Cambridge Bay, was unseated by Fred Pedersen, the executive director of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, who garnered more than half of the votes. Notable defeats also included Adam Arreak Lightstone in Iqaluit-Manirajak and Solomon Malliki in Aivilik.
The voter turnout stood at 37 percent as reported by Elections Nunavut. Elected officials from Monday’s election include:
Familiar Faces:
– Craig Simailak in Baker Lake
– John Main in Arviat-North Whale Cove
– Daniel Qavvik in Hudson Bay
– David Akeeagok in Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu
– Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster in Iqaluit-Sinaa
– George Hickes in Iqaluit-Tasiluk
– Alexander Sammurtok in Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet
– David Joanasie in South Baffin
New Faces:
– Hannah Angootealuk in Avilik
– Abraham Qammaniq in Ammituq
– Jamie Kablutsiak in Arviat South
– Fred Pedersen in Cambridge Bay
– David Porter in Gjoa Haven
– Gwen Healey Akearok in Iqaluit-Manirajak
– Simon Kuliktana in Kugluktuk
– Cecile Nelvana Lyall in Netsilik
– Annie Tattuinee in Rankin Inlet South
– Brian Koonoo in Tununiq
– Gordon Kautuk in Uqqummiut
Recounts are expected in at least three constituencies due to very close results, including Pangnirtung, Quttiktuq, and Aggu. Polls closed at 7 p.m. across the region’s three time zones. The release of election results by Elections Nunavut faced delays, with only one winner announced before midnight.
Voter turnout has been on a downward trend in Nunavut since the inaugural general election in 1999. The decline has been attributed to various factors, including voter apathy driven by perceived slow progress on critical issues like the high cost of living and housing shortages. The youth vote is seen as crucial, especially considering that nearly half of Nunavut’s population is under 25 years old, although the previous election showed low youth voter registration.
The current general election has approximately 17,000 registered voters. Nunavut operates with a consensus-style government, where candidates run as independents since there are no political parties. Following the general election, the Speaker, premier, and ministers are selected by newly-elected MLAs through a secret-ballot election process.
