QIA holds recount over vice-presidential election results

Unofficial results have incumbent VP Olayuk Akesuk ahead of Jerry Natanine by just 10 votes

Unofficial results for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s election on Monday show Olayuk Akesuk, seen here to the right of QIA President P.J. Akeeagok in 2016, narrowly beating challenger Jerry Natanine in a race to retain his seat as vice-president. (File photo)

By Nunatsiaq News

(Updated at 3 p.m.)

Olayuk Akesuk appears to have held onto his position as vice-president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, based on unofficial results from Monday’s election. However, his 10-vote margin of victory was so slim it triggered a mandatory recount.

Results won’t be official until the association’s returning officer in Iqaluit receives all the ballots and verifies the results.

The unofficial results of the election, held on Monday, Dec. 14, show Akesuk with 645 votes, against Clyde River Mayor Jerry Natanine, who received 635 votes.

The other candidates for vice-president were Jaco Newkingak and Cornelius K. Nutarak.

Levi Barnabas is the association’s new secretary/treasurer. He previously served as a community director. Barnabas, who received 714 votes, was up against Enoki Irqittuaq, who received 317 votes, and Johnny Mike, who received 542 votes.

The following community directors were also elected: Jeremy Tunraluk in Arctic Bay, Mathew Saveakjuk Jaw in Kinngait, Liza Ningiuk in Grise Fiord, Charlie Qumuatuq in Pangnirtung, Stevie Aulaqiaq in Qikiqtarjuaq and Paul Amagoalik (acclaimed) in Resolute Bay.

See the unofficial results on the Qikiqtani Inuit Association website.

Correction

This story has been updated to reflect the fact that the election results are unofficial.

As well, an earlier version of this story stated that Levi Barnabas was the incumbent secretary/treasurer, when in fact he previously served as a community director.

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(5) Comments:

  1. Posted by QIA has a problem on

    An 8% turnout of eligible voters in Iqaluit?!

    • Posted by Voter on

      I think a lot of people assumed QIA delayed their election as NTI did. But with no Covid cases in Baffin QIA went ahead with elections.

      • Posted by Voter Apathy on

        Turnout for Inuit organization elections, in Iqaluit, is notoriously low. Nobody campaigns, there are no debates or information sessions, elections come and go without anyone noticing. Inuit in the Bronx and other low income areas don’t always have internet access, also. How are their opinions sought after by candidates?

  2. Posted by Jen on

    Perhaps the lack of campaigning is a tactic. The only ones voting are the ones in favor of a particular outcome. Citing NTI’s delay is an excuse.

  3. Posted by JR on

    Media coverage of Inuit organization elections is garbage. That’s one reason voter turnout is always so low.

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