Kelly McLeod elected new president of Nihtat Gwich'in Council

Kelly McLeod has been elected the new president of Inuvik's Nihtat Gwich'in Council, according to preliminary results published Thursday morning.

McLeod defeated acting president Robert Charlie 108 votes to 64. According to a post on McLeod's Facebook page, official results will be posted in five days, as per the council's election policy.

"Just want to say Mahsi Cho to everyone that was able to vote in the Nihtat Election. Very great turn out of 174 voters, a significant increase from 65 in the last election," he wrote on Facebook Thursday morning.

"Extremely excited here, very humbled by the amount of support from membership. Truly thankful for that.... Very excited to get started working with the newly elected council and create a positive future for the Nihtat Gwichin Membership!"

Elections were also held for eight council positions on Wednesday, with the preliminary results as follows:

• Chris Smith: 147 votes (elected)

• Michael Francis: 132 votes (elected)

• Mary Ann Villeneuve: 125 votes (elected)

• Lenora McLeod: 111 votes (elected)

• Wanda McDonald: 101 votes (elected)

• Tony McDonald: 100 votes (elected)

• Barry Greenland: 86 votes (elected)

• Richard Ross: 83 votes (elected)

• Bobby Ross: 82 votes

• Sallie Ross: 76 votes