Iqaluit (Mar 22/04) - By the end of the night, beads of sweat clung to Paul Kaludjak's brow.

It wasn't just because of the heat from all the bodies packed into the Navigator Inn's boardroom, but the close race in the final hours for the Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) presidential seat. In the end, he edged ahead of past president, Cathy Towtongie, by a mere 227 votes.

"I feel pretty good," Kaludjak said, shaking hands and embracing supporters following his win, which was announced after midnight.

Kaludjak, from Rankin Inlet, is a former president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association and vice-president of finance for NTI. He said he plans on consulting with elders more and working with people and groups "outside the land claim" to improve life for Nunavummiut.

"I plan to be as open as possible," he said.

Jose Kusugak, president of Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, said he was happy Kaludjak came out a winner.

"I know that my organization can work closely with Mr. Kaludjak," Kusugak said. "I know, too, Paul can bring NTI into the circle of other Inuit organizations. They were starting to get away from that."

"I'm very happy for Paul," said Premier Paul Okalik, clearly pleased. "It's no secret it's been a rough ride for NTI the last few years," he added. "I know that's going to change. I look forward to working with him."

Kaludjak's victory was ultimately decided by the Rankin Inlet votes, which came in last.

When the votes for president were counted, the results were: Archie Angnakak, 803; Paul Kaludjak, 2,038; Ben Kovic, 865; and Cathy Towtongie, 1,811.

The second vice-president race was less tight, with Raymond Ningeocheak the clear winner.

The votes were: Stanley Anablak, 678; Jeannie Evalik 821; Raymond Ningeocheak, 3,131; and Hezekiah Oshutapik, 758.

Despite NTI's vigourous advertising campaign with a strong focus on youth, voter turnout this year was low.

Roughly 38 per cent of eligible voters headed to the polls, a slight drop from 45 per cent two years ago.

There are about 14,600 beneficiaries eligible to vote.