Strong candidates, voter turnout, in Nunavik’s municipal elections

All but four Nunavik communities have new mayors following Nov. 4 elections. In Inukjuak, pictured here, Paulusie Kasudluk was acclaimed as the Northern Village’s new mayor. (FILE PHOTO)

Communities in Nunavik elected new mayors and councils in Northern Village elections across the region Nov. 4.

Nunavimmiut elected mayors in all but two communities: in Inukjuak, where mayor Paulusie Kasudluak was already acclaimed and in Tasiujaq, where no candidates came forward to run for mayor. That community will host another mayoral election this winter.

Four incumbent mayors were re-elected across the region, including Kuujjuaq mayor Tunu Napartuk, who won a two-way race against candidate Mary Johanes with 60 per cent support.

Kuujjuaraapik mayor Lucassie Inukpuk, Salluit mayor Paulusie Saviadjuk and Kangiqsualujjuaq mayor Hilda Snowball were also re-elected as mayors.

Voters in Kangiqsualujjuaq re-elected Maggie Emudluk as councillor, meaning the long-time chair of the Kativik Regional Government’s regional council is eligible to sit on council and run for re-election at the council’s next meeting later this month.

The elections drew a fairly strong voter turnout across the region, with an average 58.1 per cent turnout.

Only 37.5 per cent of voters cast a ballot in Puvirnituq, the lowest turnout in the region, while the highest was recorded in Aupaluk, where 76.6 per cent of voters turned up.

You can see a full run down of results by community here.