The Navajo presidential election has been postponed again. And come inauguration day Jan. 13, there won’t be a new president.
The decision by the Navajo Supreme Court to remove Chris Deschene in October over his language skills has had a domino effect.
The ballots should have been printed earlier this week for a Dec. 23 special election, but uncertainty remained about third place finisher Russell Begaye’s standing. A Navajo judge has not decided whether a grievance filed against Begaye should disqualify him.
The Supreme Court has held the Board of Elections in contempt and not allowed them to hold office. Two of the board members were up for council seats. Those positions will be filled in the special election.
The tribal council will consider emergency legislation that addresses the voters that some believe were disenfranchised because they voted for Deschene, a disqualified candidate.
An interim president will be appointed by the council. The election office will need special permission to postpone the election more than 60 days after the original election date.
