The dispute over who will lead the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota won't be decided by an independent court but by the leaders themselves.

The tribe's constitution doesn't provide for true separation of powers, said the chief tribal judge and a former judge. Election disputes usually get kicked backed to the tribal council, they said.

That's why President Alex White Plume said he has the power to call a new election. His name wasn't on the recent ballot due to a criminal record but he says he should be allowed to run again.

But the winners of the November 7 election plan to take office after being sworn in tomorrow, leaving the tribe with two presidents: White Plume and John Yellow Bird Steele, who won the election.

Get the Story:
Tribal courts' hands are tied (The Rapid City Journal 12/4)

Relevant Links:
Oglala Sioux Tribe - http://www.lakotamall.com/oglalasiouxtribe

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