David Kuksuk new KIA community director after tie-breaker

The new community director for the Kivalliq Inuit Association has been chosen after a ballot-box draw.

David Kuksuk, from Arviat, Nunavut, takes the position, after the returning officer had to break a tie following Monday's vote.

Both Kuksuk and opponent Peter Alariak had 195 votes at the closing of Monday's election, which had a voter turnout of 37 per cent.

The association's rules say candidates have 72 hours to ask for a recount, and Alariak did. But even after the recount, the vote was still tied.

"According to our election rules at [Kivalliq Inuit Association], our returning officer has to write the candidates' names and put them in a ballot box and draw a name," said David Ningeongan, president of KIA.

"DavidKuksuk'sname was drawn and ended up getting 196 votes," he said.

AkulukjukQIAhead,Audlaluk named VP

As for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Larry Audlaluk of Grise Fiord was elected vice-president, and Tommy Akulukjuk will serve as QIAs new community director in Pangnirtung.

Voter turnout for the Qikigtani election was low just 25 per centof all eligible voters.

The lowest turnout was in Iqaluit, at 12 per cent, and the highest was in Qikiqtarjuaq and Resolute, which both saw 51 per cent of eligible voters casting ballots.