Steven Taqtu becomes MLA-elect after recount in Quttiktuq

Steven Taqtu will be the next MLA for Quttiktuq, where the results were so close that a judicial recount was triggered.

A political novice from Arctic Bay, Taqtu finished in the lead with 121 votes — 14 votes ahead of his closest rival Philip Kalluk, who received 107 votes. Third-place candidate Andrew Taqtu got 20 votes.

Initially, before the votes were recounted, Steven Taqtu had only a four-vote lead over Kalluk.

In total, 253 ballots were cast in the riding that represents the High Arctic communities of Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay and Grise Fiord.

Taqtu couldn’t be reached for comment on Monday morning.

Judicial recounts are required in constituencies where the number of votes separating the two leading candidates is within two per cent of the total votes cast. They are conducted by Nunavut Court of Justice judges.

Of the 22 ridings in Nunavut, two ridings were won by acclamation and 17 had clear winning candidates. Quttiktuq was one of three that required recounts, along with Pangnirtung and Aggu.

Johnny Mike became the MLA-elect for Pangnirtung after a recount, while Aggu voters will be heading to the polls again as the election saw a tie between two candidates, according to Elections Nunavut website.

Incumbent Joanna Quassa and Erasmus Ivvalu each received 105 votes in Aggu riding which encompasses the northern part of Igloolik.

It’s unclear when the new election will happen.

A representative for Elections Nunavut could not be reached for comment on Monday morning.

The newly elected MLAs are set to convene Nov. 18 in Iqaluit for a leadership forum where they will vote to select a speaker, premier and cabinet members.