The election committee for the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Montana postponed a special election for the chairman's post.

The election was due to take place yesterday. But a tribal court lawsuit filed by former chairman Ken Blatt St. Marks raised questions about the proceeding, the election committee said.

At issue is a 1996 ordinance that bars people who were removed from office for certain reasons from running again. St. Marks, who was ousted from the chairman's post in March for "neglect of duty and gross misconduct," says the ordinance is no longer law on the reservation.

St. Marks said he was removed because he has encouraged federal agencies to investigate corruption on the reservation. Five people have been indicted in connection with theft of tribal funds.

Get the Story:
Board cancels special election (The Great Falls Tribune 5/22)
Rocky Boy election board votes to delay election (The Havre Daily News 5/22)

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