A second poll may be called in the running for the 2012 Nunatsiavut presidential election
Yesterday Nunatsiavut elections were held in Labrador for three nominations for the president seat: Johannes Lampe, Sarah Leo, and Susan Nochasak. The results came in this morning revealing that Johannes Lampe had received 821 votes, Sarah Leo – 742 votes, and Susan Nochasak – 569 votes.
The slim margin between Lampe and Leo could mean a call for a second election based on the Labrador Inuit Constitution.
According to Section 3.3.5 a second poll will be called if candidates do not receive an absolute majority.
Elections officer Jack Shiwak explained that in order to be elected for president the winning candidate has to receive at least 50% of the vote plus one.
“If that doesn’t happen there is supposedly to be a run off between first and second and that is entirely up to the second place candidate,” Shiwak told the Labradorian.
According to election standards, the 2nd runner-up also has the choice to withdrawal their name or concede in the election.
The Nunatsiavut electoral officer is given 30 days to call a second election. Shiwak says he will be speaking with Leo later this morning to see if a second election will be called. If this is the case, Shiwak says the election may be called in mid June.
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Lampe wins Nunatsiavut election
Labrador Inuit have elected Johannes Lampe to serve as the next president of the Nunatsiavut Government.
Lampe defeated his closest opponent, Sarah Leo, by 81 votes according to results provided by the Nunatsiavut electoral officer, receiving 821 votes to Leo’s 742.
Susan Nochasak finished third with 569 votes.
A total of 2,147 ballots were cast, with 15 rejected.
Lampe previously served as Minister of Culture, Recreation and Tourism. He will replace Jim Lyall, who was elected president four years ago. Lyall announced earlier this spring he would not be seeking re-election.
