Muscogee Nation heads to primary election amid controversy


George Tiger. Photo from Facebook

The Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma holds a primary election this Saturday but there's controversy brewing.

Chief George Tiger, who is running for a second term, is refusing to sign a resolution that asks the Carter Center Democracy Program to observe the September 19 vote. He said the tribe's sovereignty is at risk.

“I am not going to sign the resolution because our election process is outlined in our laws and constitution and we have to be careful to protect our tribal sovereignty,” Tiger said in a statement quoted by the local media.

The Muscogee National Council passed the resolution by a 9-6 vote at an emergency session last week. Its members have been at odds with Tiger over a controversial gaming deal involving another tribe.

The council asked Tiger to step down but he refused .Three of his rivals in the election are council representatives, including Speaker Thomas Yahola.

The resolution would also apply to the November 7 general election.

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