Coppermine (Feb 28/05) - The race for mayor in Kugluktuk isn't over, despite the election having taken place two months ago.

Last week it was announced that a judge will decide who edged out who in Kugluktuk's December 2004 mayor's race, apparently won by Ernie Bernhardt. A public petition revealed that there were errors in counting the ballots.

The errors have to do with hamlet officials not being consistent about what constitutes a "spoiled" ballot.

After the initial mayor's race in December, Bernhardt lost to Peter Taptuna by one vote, 67-66.

The day after the election, Bernhardt asked for a recount and the result was reversed in his favour.

Now Taptuna, who still sits as a hamlet councillor, is trying to contain his frustration.

"It wasn't the voters who decided the election," said Taptuna on Friday. "It was the returning officer and assistant."

"It's been a tough few years, but we have taken steps to improve things.".

The judge will make a final decision in April.