by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

RANKIN INLET (Nov 26/97) - Residents of the Keewatin are heading to the polls Dec. 8 to elect new representatives for the Kivalliq Inuit Association.

Rankin Inlet residents will also elect five new hamlet councillors on election day.

Sandy Kusugak, chief returning officer for the elections, said that the number of candidates for both the KIA and hamlet elections is on par with other years.

"There's always a large number of people running for hamlet councillor," she said.

This election, 16 candidates are seeking the five positions in Rankin Inlet -- six women and 10 men.

The three-year term for KIA president is also up and voters will be deciding between three candidates this time around.

Paul Kaludjak is running for his second term, along with hamlet councillor Louis Pilakapsi and Mike Gibbons.

Other KIA positions up for election are secretary-treasurer and directors for five communities, including Arviat, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour and Rankin Inlet. The term for each position is two years.

Constituents will vote for hamlet councillors on Dec. 8 at the Singiituq Complex between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.