It's official -- Bill John Baker will be the new principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

Following a three-day counting process, the Cherokee Nation Election Commission certified the results of a special election between Baker and Chad Smith, who was the incumbent chief. Baker won with 10,703 votes to Smith's 9,128 votes.

"I'm honored and humbled to be the Chief Elect of the Cherokee Nation. I hope I can be sworn in quickly and get to work taking this Nation from good to great. I will be looking to Chief Smith for a smooth transition and welcome any guidance he finds important to impart," Baker said on his web site.

An inauguration date hasn't been set for Baker. It's possible someone might appeal the election results.

Get the Story:
Bill John Baker named official winner in Cherokee chief election (The Tulsa World 10/13)
Baker wins; but complaints persist (The Muskogee Phoenix 10/13)

Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Decisions:
Vann v. Salazar (October 11, 2011)
Cherokee Nation Registrar v. Nash (August 22, 2011)

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