Joe Shirley Jr., left, and his running mate, Dineh Benally. Photo from Facebook

The Navajo Nation Supreme Court issued yet another decision that orders tribal officials to hold a presidential election on April 21.

The election was supposed to take place last November but was delayed after one of the candidates was disqualified and removed from the ballot. Since then, the tribe's highest court has expressed frustration with the Navajo Nation Council for meddling with the process.

Russell Begaye, left, and his running mate, Jonathan Nez, put up a campaign sign. Photo from Facebook

Despite a February 20 decision calling for a vote as soon as possible, the council passed a bill that appeared to place priority on an entirely different election that could help the disqualified candidate get back on the ballot. That prompted the court to issue another ruling on Friday that clears the way for next month's match-up between Joe Shirley Jr. and against Russell Begaye.

President Ben Shelly has remained in office as a result of the delay in choosing a new leader. He came in seventh in last year's primary but was sworn into a new term in January.

Get the Story:
Tribal court orders April 21 election for Navajo president (AP 3/23)
Navajo Nation Supreme Court orders special election to proceed (The Farmington Daily Times 3/21)

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