Newly elected Iqaluit councillor Romeyn Stevenson said Tuesday he is glad he asked for a recount of the Oct. 19 election results. It showed he was four votes ahead of incumbent David Alexander. (CBC)

David Alexander, the incumbent Iqaluit city councillor, has been edged out of council by a newcomer after a recount of last week's civic election results.

Romeyn Stevenson requested the recount held Monday after Alexander beat him by just one vote for eighth place in the Oct. 19 council race. Twenty-one people ran for the eight council seats.

In the recount, which began Monday afternoon, Stevenson secured four more votes than Alexander.

That means Iqaluit city council will consist of Stevenson as well as Mary Wilman, Jimmy Kilabuk, Simon Nattaq, Matt Knicklebein, David Ell, Natsiq Kango and Mary Akpalialuk.

Stevenson said he is "very happy" he asked for the recount.

"I would like to acknowledge David Alexander and say that he did good service for this town in the last three years, being on council, and I'm sure that he would have worked hard again on this council," Stevenson told CBC News on Tuesday.

"But I am very pleased to be the eighth councillor on this city council."

For his part, Alexander said he is considering the possibility of seeking another recount. If he decides to do that, he would have to ask the courts for a judicial recount.

Alexander told CBC News he needs to do more research as well as consider the costs of a recount.

With Alexander out, Nattaq and Kilabuk are the only incumbents on council.

Elisapee Sheutiapik was re-elected mayor, defeating former councillor Jim Little. The votes cast in the race for mayor were not recounted on Monday.

City officials say they plan to swear in the new councillors next week.