Deschene has chance to stay on Navajo Nation ballot Betty Reid, The Republic | azcentral 9:55 p.m. MST October 22, 2014 The Navajo council this week will consider removing the requirement that candidates speak the tribal language fluently. Navajo Nation presidential candidate Chris Deschene on Wednesday lost another round of court battles to stay on the election ballot. But he may have another option. The Navajo council this week will consider removing the requirement that candidates speak the tribal language fluently — the major sticking point in Deschenes court battles. The fall legislative session begins today. The 43-year-old struggles to speak his native tongue, Dine Bizaad, a legal requirement for elected candidates. The issue created a divide between Navajos who insist that speaking the language remains a crucial aspect of the job and many who see the requirement as outdated. The controversy over the requirement has ignited passions on both sides. Deschene last weekend attended the Western Navajo Fair in Tuba City. A groundswell of parade goers, many of whom are young Navajos, showed their support by waving blue and white placards that said, Honor Our Voice. On Wednesday, the high court upheld a prior hearing officers decision that disqualified Deschene from the ballot. The court did not make a decision on the merits of the case, but ruled on a failure to submit complete appeal documents on Monday. Deschene said he respects the high courts decision. However, he said he wonders if it is fair and objective. I want to be Navajo Nation president, Deschene said in statement. I am qualified to be Navajo Nation president. And I remain on the ballot as a presidential candidate. The Navajo Nation must continue to vote. Deschenes name still appears on early ballots for the Nov. 4 election. He noted the tribes Board of Election Supervisors continue to stand by the Navajo fundamental law, which he believes allows the people to choose their own leaders. The bill the council will consider today would change the language requirements for the Navajo Nation. The bill states that language proficiency shall be determined by the people voting in favor of the person upon the right and freedom of the Dine to choose their leaders. Legislative officials said a simple majority of the 24-member council could be the game changer in a nearly one-month-old chaos surrounding Deschene, who came in second to candidate Joe Shirley in the August primary election. If the council approves the bill, it would take up to 20 days for Navajo President Ben Shelly to veto or approve it, officials said. The bill states the approval would cover the 2014 tribal elections. Brian Lewis, Deschenes attorney, said if approved, the bill would allow his client to fight the court decisions. David Jordan, attorney for the plaintiff who initially challenged Deschenes candidacy, said he believes the decisions could still stand. However, Jordan said he has not researched whether new legislation could make all prior high-court decisions moot. Deschene continues his campaign for president throughout the Navajo reservation
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 14:23:19 +0000
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