Nunavut’s upcoming territorial government is set to have a blend of familiar faces and newcomers, with several former MLAs, including the deputy premier, being unseated in the recent election held on Monday. Pamela Gross, the former deputy premier representing Cambridge Bay, was defeated by Fred Pedersen, the executive director of Kitikmeot Inuit Association, who garnered more than 50 percent of the votes. Additionally, incumbents Adam Arreak Lightstone in Iqaluit-Manirajak and former regular caucus chair Solomon Malliki in Aivilik also lost their positions.
The voter turnout stood at 37 percent, as reported by Elections Nunavut. Among the successful candidates in the election are some familiar faces like Craig Simailak from Baker Lake, John Main from Arviat-North Whale Cove, and George Hickes from Iqaluit-Tasiluk, among others. New faces joining the government include Hannah Angootealuk from Avilik, Jamie Kablutsiak from Arviat South, and Gwen Healey Akearok from Iqaluit-Manirajak, among others.
Recounts are expected in at least three ridings due to close margins in the election results. Notably, the ridings of Pangnirtung, Quttiktuq, and Aggu are facing recounts due to extremely narrow leads between the top candidates. The election results were delayed, with only one winner announced before midnight, attributed to technical difficulties on Elections Nunavut’s website.
The issue of declining voter turnout in Nunavut elections has been a growing concern since the territory’s establishment in 1999. The recent election saw less than half of eligible voters casting their ballots, a stark contrast to the 86 percent turnout in the inaugural election. Manitok Thompson, one of Nunavut’s early MLAs, expressed disappointment in the slow progress of the government on critical issues like high living costs and housing shortages, leading to voter disengagement.
The youth demographic’s participation in voting will be crucial, given that nearly half of Nunavut’s population is under 25 years old. However, the previous territorial election recorded the lowest youth voter registration. With approximately 17,000 registered voters in this year’s general election, Nunavut’s unique consensus-style government, devoid of political parties, relies on independent candidates. The selection of cabinet members, including the Speaker, premier, and ministers, occurs about two weeks post the general election through a secret-ballot process.