Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 08/01) - With an annual general meeting just around the corner, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. opened nominations for the positions of president, first vice-president and vice-president of finance Monday.

"There's definitely been some interest," with people picking up nomination papers for all of three positions, said Alan Vigoda, NTI's director of communications.

Chief returning officer Sandy Kusugak said Wednesday that two people had already handed in their nomination forms.

Kusugak expects that many prospective candidates will have their papers completed when NTI meets in Panniqtuuq this week. "I expect there will be a fair number of people," ready to hand in the forms, said Kusugak. She is attending the meeting primarily to provide briefings on procedures, but is "prepared to deal with" nomination papers.

The two vice-presidential seats come up for election as part of their normal terms. The president's position is vacant, following the resignation of Paul Quassa last July.

Those wishing to stand for election must be beneficiaries, and have the signatures of 10 other beneficiaries of voting age on their nomination papers. Nominees are expected to put up a deposit of $200, which is refunded if a candidate receives at least 10 per cent of valid votes cast.

Nominations for the three positions close Oct. 15 at 5 p.m., local time. Kusugak said lists of nominees should be finalized by Nov. 5.