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QIKIQTAALUK - The number of candidates for the upcoming Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) election rivals those in the recent territorial election.

A total of 46 people have put their names forward for the Dec. 8 QIA ballot, while 47 ran across Nunavut for the Oct. 27 territorial contest.

"There's big numbers and that's good news. The number of candidates is quite high," said James T. Arreak, the chief electoral officer for QIA. "We've been really pleased with response."

Ten are vying region-wide for the position of president (including incumbent Thomasie Alikatuktuk).

The rest are running to be community directors for seven communities (Cape Dorset, Clyde River, Hall Beach, Iglulik, Kimmirut, Pond Inlet and Sanikiluaq).

The last election was in 2006.

The next big challenge will be to ensure the voter turnout reflects the same interest, according to Arreak.