Voters in 2 Nunavik communities choose new municipal governments
Voting was delayed due the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in the region
Puvirnituq was one of two Nunavik communities where residents cast their ballots in a delayed municipal election. (File photo by Jane George)
Voters in Kangiqsujuaq and Puvirnituq took to the polls last week, after elections were delayed because not enough candidates were nominated.
In Kangiqsujuaq, Qiallak Qumaluk Nappaaluk was acclaimed as mayor. Alec Aupaluk was elected to council, joining five acclaimed candidates: Charlie Arngak, Jessica Arngak, Christina Kiatainaq, Lydia Kiatainaq and Daniel Nappaaluk. Voter turnout in Kangiqsujuaq was 27.37 per cent.
In Puvirnituq, Paulusie Angiyou won a four-way race for mayor. Six councillors were acclaimed as well: Levi Amarualik, Louisa Kuananak, Adamie Angiyou, Aipilie Kenuayuak, Muncy Novalinga and Lucy Qalingo. Voter turnout in Puvirnituq was 32.64 per cent.
In Umiujaq, all of the candidates were acclaimed to their positions. Davidee Sappa will serve as mayor, and will be joined by councillors Jennifer Crow, Mina Esperon, Lucy Kumarluk, Louisa Tookalook, Samuel Tookalook and Simon Tookalook.
On Nov. 3, election results were announced in Aupaluk, Akulivik, Inukjuak, Kuujjuaraapik, Quaqtaq and Tasiujaq.
Correction
An earlier version of this story said that elections in Kangiqsujuaq and Puvirnituq were delayed due to pandemic restrictions. In fact, these elections were delayed because not enough candidates were nominated. The pandemic has postponed elections in five other Nunavik communities: Ivujivik, Salluit, Kangirsuk, Kangiqsualujjuaq and Kuujjuaq.
But, party groups are are never near implemented in our municipal gov’t.