Andersen Acclaimed Ordinary Member for Makkovik

A ceremony took place this morning in Hopedale to swear in the newest member of the Nunatsiavut Assembly. John Andersen was the lone candidate to file nomination papers for a by-election for Ordinary Member for the Constituency of Makkovik, set for February 4th.

While nominations closed on January 20th, Mr. Andersen could not be acclaimed the winner until Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe had the opportunity to try and recruit a female candidate, as per Section 33 (1) of the Nunatsiavut Elections Act, which states:

If, at the close of the time for nominating candidates … there is not at least one female candidate for election in each constituency, the Returning Officer shall immediately notify the President and the Nunatsiavut Electoral Officer in writing and the President shall take reasonable steps to nominate a female candidate for election in each constituency no later than 48 hours following the close of the time for nomination of candidates…

President Lampe attempted to find a female candidate, but was not successful in doing so.