Chris Deschene and his running mate, Fannie Atcitty, campaign on the Navajo Nation. Photo from Facebook

Chris Deschene remains in the running for president of the Navajo Nation, despite questions about his Navajo language abilities.

The supervisors for the Navajo Board of Election voted 7-0 on Monday to keep Deschene's name on the ballot for the November 4 election. Officials said they support the right of the Navajo people to determine their leadership.

The decision runs counter to a ruling from the Navajo Nation Office of Hearings and Appeals that said Deschene was not qualified. He has admitted he is not as fluent in the Navajo language as he would like to be.

Barring further challenges, Deschene will face Joe Shirley Jr., a former president who speaks Navajo fluently.

Get the Story:
Navajo elections board: Deschene will be on ballot; elections will go forth as planned (KOB 10/13)
Navajo election board says Deschene to remain on ballot despite disqualification (The Farmington Daily-Times 10/13)
Disqualified Navajo candidate to remain on ballot (AP 10/13)

Navajo Nation Supreme Court Order:
Tsosie v. Deschene (September 26, 2014)

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Navajo Nation might postpone election due to legal challenge (9/25)
Navajo Nation court to hear language issue affecting candidate (9/24)
Appeal filed over Navajo language ability of presidential hopeful (9/17)
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