Towtongie re-elected as president of NTI

Nunavut beneficiaries have re-elected Cathy Towntongie as president of Nunavut Tunngavik, the territorys Inuit land claims organization.

Towtongie won Mondays election by a margin of more than 400 votes. She said shes pleased with the results.

"I was relieved, stressed. This is the toughest campaign that I've ever had to endure," she said.

Ten people ran against Towtongie. Her closest challenger was Mikidjuk Akavak, who received just over 900 votes.

Towtongie won by a wide margin, with more than 1,300 votes. She also had a strong showing in all regions.

She said one of her priorities is to fully implement the Nunavut land claims agreement, especially when it comes to sharing resource revenue.

"We Inuit of Nunavut have to be prepared that our resources are not just taken out of Nunavut," she said.

Voter turnout has traditionally been low for NTI elections. This time, just 35 per cent of eligible voters cast ballots.

"At the moment what we can see is not that much different. It's gradually going up election by election," said Adamie Itorchiak, the Chief Returning Officer for this year's election.

However,the last NTI election, in 2010, saw a voter turnout of 36.5 per cent.

Hamlet election results

Hamlet elections were also held across Nunavut Monday.

In Clyde River, four people were elected to hamlet council: Jayko Ashevak, Josie Enuaraq, Jerry Natanine and James Qillaq.

Voter turnout there was just over 50 per cent.

In Igloolik, Richard Ammarualik, Joe Attagutaluk, Joe Immaroitok, and Steve Qaatani Sarpinak were elected to council.

Joseph Inooya was acclaimed as mayor.

Voter turnout in Igloolik was 46 per cent.

Baker Lake saw Joseph Aupaluktuq elected mayor after he defeated three other candidates.

Thomas Anirniq, Alexander Attungala, Joedee Joedee, Lorraine Niego and Becky Tootoo were elected to hamlet council.

Voter turnout in Baker Lake was just over 40 per cent.

QIA results

Joe Attagutaluk is the new Secretary Treasurer of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, which represents beneficiaries in the Baffin region. He picked up 1,609 votes in Mondays election.

Paul Irngaut lost, with 1,559 votes.

A number of QIA community directors were also elected:

• Levi Barnabas will represent Arctic Bay
• Olayuk Akesuk won in Cape Dorset
• Enookie Inuarak won in Pond Inlet
• Stevie Aulaqiaq took the election in Qikiqtarjuaq.

The election results will be confirmed by QIA in 72 hours.

Any of the candidates can ask for a recount within 72 hours of the polls closing.