Nunavut’s upcoming territorial government is set to feature a blend of familiar faces and fresh entrants, as several former MLAs, including the deputy premier, were unseated in the recent election. Pamela Gross, the former deputy premier from Cambridge Bay, lost to Fred Pedersen, the executive director of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, who secured over 50 percent of the votes. Incumbents Adam Arreak Lightstone in Iqaluit-Manirajak and former regular caucus chair Solomon Malliki in Aivilik also faced defeat.
The voter turnout stood at 37 percent as reported by Elections Nunavut. Notable winners from the election include 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, and David Joanasie in South Baffin among others.
On the other hand, the election results in three ridings are too close to call, leading to impending recounts in Pangnirtung, Quttiktuq, and Aggu. The polls closed at 7 p.m. across the territory’s three time zones, with delays in posting results by Elections Nunavut. The organization’s chief electoral officer, Kiran Situt, emphasized the meticulous verification process and the late arrival of special ballots impacting result announcements.
The trend of declining voter turnout in Nunavut, evident since the inaugural general election in 1999, remains a concern. Manitok Thompson, a pioneering Nunavut MLA, highlighted the lack of progress on pressing issues like high living costs and housing shortages as contributing to voter disengagement. The crucial youth vote, given Nunavut’s youthful population demographic, is being closely watched despite historically low youth voter registration rates.
With approximately 17,000 registered voters in this year’s general election, Nunavut’s consensus-style government without political parties sees candidates running independently. Following the election, the newly-elected MLAs will convene to select the Speaker, premier, and ministers in a secret-ballot election.