Kathleen Lippa
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Mar 24/04) - The race for a new president at Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. came down to the wire.

In the end, Rankin Inlet's Paul Kaludjak edged out Cathy Towtongie by 227 votes, pulling in 2,038 votes.

After Paul Kaludjak got off the phone following his victory, he announced to the room there would be no re-count. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSL photo

"I feel pretty good," Kaludjak said, shaking hands and embracing supporters at the Navigator Inn in Iqaluit following his win, which was announced after midnight.

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

Kaludjak is a former president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association and vice-president of finance for NTI. He said he plans on consulting with elders 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."

The second vice-president race was not as tight, with Raymond Ningeocheak the clear winner.

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.