Navajo Nation presidential candidate Russell Begaye and his running mate, Jonathan Nez. Photo from Facebook

The Navajo Nation Office of Hearings and Appeals dismissed a complaint against presidential candidate Russell Begaye today, presumably clearing the way for an election.

Begaye was accused of being disloyal to the tribe during his service as a shareholder representative for the Navajo Nation Oil and Gas Company. A lawsuit was filed in federal court but it was eventually dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction.

"There was no merit to this challenge and the allegations to disqualify me as a candidate for the Navajo Nation President," Begaye said today. "It was based on far-stretched hearsay, pursued for the wrong reason and unwarranted."

Joe Shirley Jr., right, and his running mate, Dineh Benally. Photo from Twitter

Begaye is due to face Joe Shirley Jr., a former president, in the general election. It was supposed to be held December 23 but it's looking like it might be delayed to 2015.

New bill seeks an extension for Navajo Nation presidential election (The Farmington Daily Times 11/23)
Navajo Presidential Election Not Until 2015 Now (Indian Country Today 11/21)

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