Chris Deschene and his running mate, Fannie Atcitty, campaign on the Navajo Nation. Photo from Facebook
The Navajo Nation Supreme Court has ordered election officials to remove presidential candidate Chris Deschene from the ballot. Deschene was disqualified due to his lack of fluency in the Navajo language, a requirement of tribal law. But the supervisors for the Navajo Board of Election refused to take him off the ballot so challengers filed a petition that the tribe's highest court ruled on today. The decision means Russell Begaye, who came in third in the tribe's primary, will appear on the ballot. Joe Shirley Jr., a former president who speaks Navajo fluently, remains in the race. Get the Story:
Tribe's High Court Orders Candidate off Ballot (AP 10/22) Navajo Nation Supreme Court Order:
Tsosie v. Deschene (October 22, 2014) Earlier Navajo Nation Supreme Court Order:
Tsosie v. Deschene (September 26, 2014) Related Stories:
Navajo Nation court still mulling decision in presidential case (10/21)
Top Navajo Nation court holds hearing in presidential dispute (10/20)
Navajo presidential candidate Chris Deschene stays on ballot (10/14)
Navajo presidential candidate to dispute removal from ballot (10/10)
Navajo presidential candidate loses ruling over language ability (10/9)
Navajo Nation won't delay election despite presidential dispute (10/2)
Navajo presidential candidate in doubt over fluency in language (9/29)
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)
Navajo Nation presidential candidate a target over fluency issue (09/11)
Navajo voters oust incumbent president Ben Shelly in primary (08/27)
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