Tribal members rallied last year in support of a Navajo Nation presidential candidate who was later disqualified due to his lack of fluency in the Navajo language. Photo from Facebook
Members of the Navajo Nation head to the polls tomorrow to determine language fluency requirements for presidential and vice presidential candidates. Current law states that candidates "must fluently speak and understand Navajo." If tomorrow's referendum is approved by voters, the new requirement will appear as follows: “Must be able to speak and understand the Navajo and English language; and this ability shall be determined by the Navajo voter when he/she casts a ballot.” The language requirement generated significant controversy last year when former presidential candidate Chris Deschene was disqualified for not being fluent in Navajo. His removal prompted a delay in the election, which was finally held in April. But interest in the issue appears to have waned, The Navajo Times reported. Turnout for early voting last week was very low, the paper said. The Navajo Voters Coalition is still campaigning strongly for passage of the referendum. The group believes tribal members have a right to pick their leaders. "I am asking my fellow Diné people to vote FOR the referendum," Anthony Allison, the group's president, said in a press release. "I support Diné Bóholnííh (Navajo people have the authority), the right of the people to have a say in their government under the laws." Get the Story:
Referendum: Election will determine whether to amend language qualification for top tribal leaders (The Farmington Daily-Times 7/20)
Navajos to vote on role language plays in tribal presidency (AP 7/18)
Navajo fluency referendum set for Tuesday (The Navajo Times 7/16) An Opinion:
Editorial: Referendum election will set tone for Navajo Nation's future (The Farmington Daily-Times 7/17)
Related Stories
Navajo Nation to decide on fluency requirements for candidates
(5/29)Harlan McKosato: Unprecedented Navajo Nation election cycle (4/21)
Navajo Nation candidates enter final stretch of bumpy campaign (4/17)
Navajo Nation Supreme Court rebuffs attempt to block election (4/14)
Navajo Nation presidential election still on tap despite meddling (4/13)
Navajo Nation presidential candidates call for April 21 election (4/2)
Navajo Nation leaders object to presidential election on April 21 (4/1)
Navajo Nation Supreme Court orders April 21 presidential vote (3/23)
Rhianan Curley: Navajo Nation leaders destroy trust of people (3/20)
Navajo Nation Council considers funding for presidential election (03/13)
Editorial: Navajo Nation set to choose new president on April 21 (03/03)
Navajo Nation Supreme Court issues decision in election dispute (02/23)
Navajo Nation Supreme Court to issue ruling in election dispute (02/12)
Supporters of Chris Deschene still upset with handling of election (01/16)
Editorial: Enough is enough with Navajo Nation election drama (1/15)
Navajo Nation leader starts second term despite election loss (1/14)
Agreement reached for leader of Navajo Nation to stay in office (1/12)
Join the Conversation
