The NWT Legislative Assembly in Yellowknife on Tuesday Aug. 21, 2001. Voters in the Northwest Territories seem willing to give newcomers a chance at government after a territorial election that was tough on incumbents. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chuck Stoody
October 02, 2019 - 9:52 AM
YELLOWKNIFE - Voters in the Northwest Territories were willing to give newcomers a chance in a territorial election on Tuesday that was tough on incumbents.
Seven politicians who were running again, including two cabinet ministers, were defeated.
Voters also elected a high number of women, who will represent nine of the territory's 19 seats in the legislature — up from two elected in 2015.
Bob McLeod, who was premier for eight years, did not run for re-election and his successor won't be immediately known.
Under the territory's consensus-style government, politicians run individually instead of under a party banner.
The winners meet shortly after the election to choose a premier and who will be in cabinet.
The new premier then assigns portfolios.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 2, 2019.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2019