Leader of Navajo Nation disqualified as candidate for tribal presidency

Navajo president disqualified in re-election bid

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Navajo elections officials have disqualified tribal President Joe Shirley Jr. as a candidate in this year’s presidential race.

The Navajo Election Administration says tribal presidents are limited to two consecutive four-year terms under tribal law on the nation’s largest Indian reservation. Shirley is in his second term.

Shirley has said the term limit is unjust and that he would challenge it. He has 10 days to appeal the election administration’s decision.

A dozen candidates are seeking the tribal presidency.

One of them, Jerry Todacheene (tohd-uh-CHEE’-nee)of Shiprock, N.M., already has contested Shirley’s candidacy.

Todacheene says Shirley is violating Navajo law, and should know better than to seek a third term. Shirley served on the Tribal Council when it enacted the two-term limit.