The election recorded a voter turnout of 37%, the lowest in territorial history.[3][4]
Background
Unlike most legislatures in Canada, the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut operates on a non-partisan consensus government model. Candidates in territorial elections run as independents rather than being nominated by political parties. The premier and executive council are then selected internally by the MLAs at the first special sitting of the new legislative session. The election will be held using single-member districts, and successful candidates will be determined through the first past the post system.
New electoral boundaries were introduced in this election.[5]
In July 2025, incumbent Premier P.J. Akeeagok announced he would not seek re-election.[6] The deadline for candidate registration was September 26, 2025. 2 seats saw their MLAs acclaimed.[7] Issues in the election included housing and the rising cost-of-living.[8]
Candidates in italics have been elected. Joanna Quassa, Johnny Mike, and Steven Taqtu all received a majority of less than 2 per cent over the next candidate triggering an automatic judicial recount.[10][11] Mike and Taqtu were elected, while Quassa's seat became tied, triggering a by-election in Aggu.[12]
Three ridings faced judicial recounts,[14] because the difference between the first and second-place finishers was less than 2% of the votes cast:[2]Aggu, where incumbent Joanna Quassa had an initial count of 106 votes to Erasmus Ivvalu's 103; Pangnirtung, where former MLA Johnny Mike had 125 votes to Nathaniel Julai Alikatuktuk's 122; and Quttiktuq, where Steven Taqtu had 113 votes to Philip Kalluk's 109.
In the election, 13 out of the 22 seats in the legislature elected new MLAs. Given that the territory operates on a consensus government system, MLAs elected on October 27 chose the new premier, cabinet, and speaker in the first session of the 7th Assembly on November 18.[15]David Joanasie was elected speaker and John Main was elected premier, defeating David Akeeagok.[16]
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