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Deschene Will Remain On Navajo Election Ballot
The Navajo presidential race just got a little more complex. The name of the disqualified candidate will remain on the ballot.
The Navajo Board of Election voted unanimously Monday to keep Chris Deschene on the ballot and hold the election as planned on Nov. 4.
Last week, a Navajo hearing officer disqualified Deschene when he refused to answer questions in Navajo. His attorney called the test biased and unfair.
Two of Deschene’s primary opponents filed complaints saying Deschene lied about his language skills. Under tribal law, presidential candidates must be fluent in Navajo and English.
Those familiar with tribal code speculate if Deschene does not appeal the ineligibility decision now, and if Deschene is elected, he will likely face legal challenges after the election.
Deschene has until Oct. 20 to appeal to the Navajo Supreme Court.
