The Navajo Nation is in a tug-of-war that goes beyond just politics. The struggle is about more than just language fluency. In some ways it’s about the old guard and keeping traditions. Living in the heart of the Southwest for more than two decades now makes me feel qualified to offer my observations. I don’t have a dog in the fight in the upcoming special election for Navajo President and Vice President, or any Navajo election for that matter.

This has become an unprecedented election for the Navajo Nation. For the first time ever the general election is happening in the springtime. Also the Navajo Nation Council is at odds with the Navajo Supreme Court over whether a referendum on the fluency issue should be held before a special election.

On Friday, Window Rock District Court Judge Carol Perry agreed with lawmakers and former Navajo Board of Election Supervisors when she ruled in favor of a temporary restraining order to stop tomorrow’s election.

Once again, the election is up in the air but Edison Wauneka, director of the Navajo Election Administration, insists the special election will be held as scheduled even if it means him being held in contempt by Judge Perry.

The Navajo Nation legislative Spring Session begins today. According to a spokesperson for the Navajo Nation Speaker of the Council, the session will be called for a recess either at the end of the day Today or Tuesday morning if the election is held. That has never occurred.