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Voters in Northwest Territories elect newcomers, more women to legislature

YELLOWKNIFE — Voters in the Northwest Territories were willing to give newcomers a chance in a territorial election on Tuesday that was tough on incumbents.
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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.