Photo: QIA recount declares Eegeesiak the winner

A recount into the Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s recent presidential election confirmed the Dec. 12 re-election of incumbent president Okalik Eegeesiak, pictured at left here with QIA’s secretary treasurer Joe Attagutaluk. The QIA had received a request from one of the candidates for a recount, which is permitted within 72 hours after the polls close. A Jan. 4 QIA news release said the recount put Eegeesiak’s final vote count at 1,042 – nine votes less than were counted on election night. Presidential contender George Qulaut finished second with 987 votes and Paul Quassa was third with 870 votes. Eegeesiak will serve as QIA’s president for another three-year term that ends in December, 2014. (FILE PHOTO)