Twelve people -- 10 men and 2 women -- filed to run for president of the Navajo Nation, the largest tribe in the U.S., by Wednesday's deadline. The field includes incumbent President Joe Shirley Jr. He's running for a third term even though Navajo election law imposes a two-term limit. But the Dine Fundamental Law could give an opening to Shirley. In a related case, the Navajo Nation Supreme Court ruled that traditional laws can override the tribe's election laws. The issue could hinder an already confusing election season on the reservation. Tribal voters passed a referendum to reduce the size of the Navajo Nation Council from 88 seats to just 24. The Navajo Supreme Court heard a lawsuit challenging the referendum last month but has yet to issue a decision. The court also heard a dispute over the council's suspension of Shirley, who supported the referendum. Get the Story:
Shirley's possible entry a game changer (The Navajo Times 5/6)
Term limit unreasonable, Shirley's lawyer says (The Navajo Times 5/6)
Shirley ignores law; seeks third term (The Farmington Daily Times 5/6)
Woman aims for first Navajo presidency (AP 5/6)
Navajo Nation president seeking third term (ABC15 5/5) Related Stories:
Joe Shirley to make a third run for Navajo Nation president (5/5)
Lovejoy launches another run for Navajo Nation president (5/4)
Editorial: Navajo voters sent clear message to leadership (5/3)
Navajo court to hear dispute over president's suspension (4/28)
At least five candidates seek Navajo Nation presidency (4/26)
Injunction stops filing process for Navajo Nation Council (4/15)
Few candidates for Navajo president, council positions (4/14)
Navajo president drafts plan to downsize tribal council (1/12)
Navajo voters back government reform initiatives (12/16)
Judge reinstates Shirley as Navajo Nation leader (12/15)
Editorial: Vote on Navajo Nation reform initiatives (12/14)
Navajo Nation set to vote on government initiatives (12/7)
Navajo president calls investigation 'personal' (10/29)
Navajo president not worried about investigation (10/28)
Navajo Nation Council places president on leave (10/27)
Navajo council fails in vote to remove top officials (10/21)