Nunavut held its general election on October 27, 2025, choosing 22 members of the 7th Legislative Assembly. Under the territory's consensus government system, all 58 candidates ran as independents, with the Premier and cabinet selected by MLAs through secret ballot after the vote. Outgoing Premier P.J. Akeeagok, who had represented Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu since 2021, announced in July 2025 that he would not seek re-election, citing family reasons.

Two ridings were uncontested: Hudson Bay (Daniel Qavvik) and South Baffin (David Joanasie). A record 16 women were among the 58 candidates, the highest proportion (28%) in Nunavut's history. Turnout fell to 37% — the lowest ever recorded in the territory, continuing a steady decline from the 86% achieved at Nunavut's first general election in 1999.

Results

Voters delivered a sharp rebuke of the outgoing Assembly, replacing 13 of 22 members for a 59% turnover rate. Six incumbents were defeated outright, seven others did not seek re-election, and the results in three ridings required mandatory judicial recounts.

The most dramatic outcome came in Aggu, where the recount produced a perfect 105-105 tie between incumbent Joanna Quassa and challenger Erasmus Ivvalu. Under the Elections Act, a tied result triggers a new election — and in the December 15 by-election, neither tied candidate prevailed. Edward Attagutaluk, who had not run in October, won with 86 of 190 votes cast.

The biggest upset was in Cambridge Bay, where Deputy Premier Pamela Hakongak Gross lost to Fred Pedersen — executive director of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association — by 154 votes. In Iqaluit-Manirajak, Adam Arreak Lightstone fell to Gwen Healey Akearok with approximately 63% of the vote. In Kugluktuk, incumbent Bobby Anavilok finished third with just 48 votes as newcomer Simon Kuliktana, a former mayor, took the seat with 218. In Uqqummiut, Gordon Kautuk overwhelmed incumbent Mary Killiktee 402 to 132.

The tightest confirmed result was in Pangnirtung, where former MLA Johnny Mike edged Nathaniel Julai Alikatuktuk by just 4 votes (127-123), confirmed after judicial recount. In Quttiktuq, Steven Taqtu's initial 4-vote lead widened to 14 after recount (121-107 over Philip Kalluk).

Key Figures

John Main — Re-elected to a third term in Arviat North-Whale Cove and selected as Premier on November 18, 2025, defeating David Akeeagok in a secret ballot after a nearly three-hour session. Born March 7, 1980, Main grew up in Arviat where his parents had moved in the 1970s. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Mount Allison University and is fluent in both Inuktitut and English. Before entering politics he worked as a CBC television reporter, an economic development officer for the Municipality of Arviat, and a regional business officer for the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, and served as president of the Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce. First elected in 2017, he served as Minister of Health in the 6th Assembly. His selection as Premier made him the first non-Inuk to lead Nunavut.

David Joanasie — Acclaimed in South Baffin and elected Speaker of the 7th Assembly on November 18. First elected in 2013, Joanasie had served as Minister of Education and Minister of Community and Government Services in previous assemblies.

George Hickes — Won a fourth consecutive term in Iqaluit-Tasiluk with 354 votes (71% of ballots cast), making him one of the longest-serving MLAs. Appointed Deputy Premier with the Justice and Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut portfolios.

Gwen Healey Akearok — A newcomer who defeated incumbent Adam Arreak Lightstone in Iqaluit-Manirajak. The executive director of the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre, she was appointed Minister of Family Services with responsibility for the Qulliq Energy Corporation, Status of Women, Homelessness, and Poverty Reduction.

Fred Pedersen — Won Cambridge Bay by unseating Deputy Premier Pamela Hakongak Gross, the evening's biggest upset. The executive director of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association, Pedersen received over 50% of the vote in a three-candidate race.

Campaign Issues

The housing crisis dominated the election. The Nunavut government had launched its Nunavut 3,000 strategy in 2022 to build 3,000 homes by 2030, but a 2025 Auditor General's report found the government had not clearly communicated progress and had counted units completed before the strategy launched. Overcrowding remained severe across the territory.

The cost of living — food, fuel, and basic necessities — had risen sharply and was cited by voters as a source of deep frustration. Healthcare access, mental health services, and the burden of medical travel south remained persistent concerns.

Voter apathy was itself a campaign issue. The historic-low 37% turnout reflected widespread disillusionment with the pace of government progress. About half of Nunavut's population is under 25, and youth had the lowest voter registration rates.

Notable Outcomes

The 6th Assembly that preceded the election was marked by extraordinary cabinet instability — described as having revolving cabinet doors. Six MLAs cycled through the executive council during the term: Adam Arreak Lightstone was stripped of portfolios over a conflict of interest; Joelie Kaernerk was twice suspended from the legislature for showing up intoxicated and lost his cabinet portfolios for a code of conduct violation; Karen Nutarak and Daniel Qavvik each resigned from cabinet citing personal reasons. This turbulence was widely seen as a driver of public discontent.

On November 18, MLAs convened for the leadership forum. David Joanasie was elected Speaker. Only two candidates put their names forward for Premier — John Main and David Akeeagok — and Main won by secret ballot. Eight ministers were then selected, representing all three regions: the cabinet of four women and four men was announced November 20.

The election of five women (23% of the Assembly) was the lowest proportion of any Canadian legislature, despite the record number of female candidates. However, four of the nine cabinet members including the Premier were women, achieving near-parity at the executive level. The comeback victory of Johnny Mike in Pangnirtung — returning after an eight-year absence from the Assembly — and the Aggu by-election won by a candidate who had not even run in October added to the election's unusual narrative.