After Nahendeh incumbent Shane Thompson announced Thursday that, if re-elected, he would support Jackson Lafferty, MLA for Monfwi, as premier, NNSL media sent the following question by email to all 58 candidates in the NWT election:
"Currently, MLAs choose premier and cabinet in a secret ballot vote. Some Northerners have expressed reservations about this practice, calling it undemocratic.
If elected, will you publicly disclose who you will vote for to be premier and on cabinet before the vote in the legislative assembly?"
ANSWER: "Throughout my time on various boards and in Indigenous leadership councils, I have always voted in an open forum. Usually there is lengthy discussion about an issue prior to the vote, so if you are an active participant people already know your position on the issue.
"I have heard nearly all candidates talk about accountability and transparency. I expect to be questioned about voting and intend to have a sound rational, based on the needs of my constituents, when asked."