See the latest territorial election results in Nunavut
Only one winner was announced before the end of the day in the Qikiqtaaluk region
Nunavut’s next territorial government is shaping up to be a mix of incumbents and newcomers, as results slowly trickled in during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Only one winner was announced before 11:59 p.m. ET, though more results came in shortly after.
David Akeeagok, a former cabinet minister, was elected in Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu, with just over 50 per cent of the vote.
Janet Pitsiulaaq Brewster was re-elected in Iqaluit-Sinaa with 175 votes, just 15 more than her opponent Robin Anawak.
Incumbent George Hickes was also been re-elected in Iqaluit-Tasiluk with 71 per cent of the vote.
Gwen Healey Akearok, the executive director of the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre, unseated Iqaluit-Manirajak’s incumbent, Adam Arreak Lightstone, with 63 per cent of the vote.
In Uqqummiut, Gordon Kautuk took the seat from incumbent Mary Killiktee with 75 per cent of the vote.
Craig Simailak, an incumbent and former cabinet minister, held onto his seat with 268 votes to Simeon Mikkungwak’s 242.
In Aivilik, Hannah Angootealuk defeated incumbent, and former regular members’ caucus leader, Solomon Malliki.
In Kugluktuk, Simon Kuliktana emerged as the new MLA with 60 per cent of the vote, compared to incumbent Bobby Anavilok, who secured just 13 per cent.
David Porter has narrowly taken the Gjoa Haven seat, with just 2.2 per cent of votes separating him from the second-place candidate, Megan Porter.
Brian Koonoo has also been elected as the new MLA of Tununiq — which covers Pond Inlet — with 50 per cent of the vote.
In Rankin Inlet-South, Annie Tattuinee became the constituency’s newest MLA, winning over Gerry Anawak and longtime Nunavut politician, Tagak Curley.
Abraham Qammaniq also won in Ammituq, winning his seat with 41 per cent of the vote and defeating his three challengers.
Polls closed at 7 p.m. in each of the region’s three time zones. For much of the evening, Elections Nunavut’s website was not loading.
In a written response to CBC News, Kiran Situt, Elections Nunavut’s chief electoral officer, said the organization is taking care with posting results.
“We take the verification process seriously. In addition, the special ballots arrived late on Canadian North. We will post all the results tonight before we leave,” he said.
There are no votes in two constituencies because the candidates, including former government house leader David Joanasie, were acclaimed.
Will Nunavut reverse the trend in voter turnout?
Voter turnout has been steadily declining since the first Nunavut general election in 1999. Less than half of eligible voters cast a ballot in 2021, compared to 86 per cent in 1999.
Speaking to CBC News ahead of election day, Manitok Thompson, one of Nunavut’s first MLAs, said she, alongside other Nunavummiut, were so excited about the territory when it was first created.
But fast forward to 2025, she said the government’s slow progress on important issues like the high cost of living and a housing crisis is fuelling voter apathy.
“I think they are not seeing any changes that are from their basic needs. Those are the people that go out to vote, but they’re not going out anymore,” she said.
The youth vote will be a crucial one to watch. About half of Nunavut’s population is under 25 years of age, though the last territorial election saw youth had the lowest voter registration.
According to Elections Nunavut’s results page, there are roughly 17,000 registered voters in this year’s general election.
As a consensus-style government, there are no political parties and candidates run as independents.
Members of cabinet are chosen approximately two weeks after the general election. Newly-elected MLAs gather to select the Speaker, premier and ministers, in a secret-ballot election.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Mental health, affordability, climate change among priorities for young Nunavut voters, CBC News
Greenland: Greenland’s new parliament convenes for first time amid Trump pressure, Thomson Reuters
