Legislation No. 0346-14: Relating to Naabik’iyati’ Committee and the Navajo Nation Council; Waiving Certain Navajo Election Code Provisions to Allow for a Special Election for the President of the Navajo Nation and Other Elective Offices
(Sponsor: Honorable LoRenzo Bates, Honorable Roscoe Smith)
DELEGATE LEONARD TSOSIE has amendment to hold special presidential election when sufficient funds available and no later than Aug. 31, 2015.
DELEGATE DWIGHT WITHERSPOON
Why can’t election be held from now until 60 days? The only obstacle would only be funding.
SPEAKER PRO TEM BATES
If all the puzzle pieces come together, whether January or February, then there will be a special presidential election. And regarding Delegate Tsosie’s amendment and whether gets that far, that depends on all the moving pieces.
DELEGATE LEONARD TSOSIE
if council decides to go with new primary election then general election would happen several months later. i have asked Russell Begaye to withdraw his candidacy based on wishes of the Navajo people. As soon as puzzle in place then Council could fund. if no funding and we don’t do this then no perameters. I don’t think Dale Tsosie or Hank Whithorne who are doing the hollering can run to Supreme Court if have this Legislation in place. And that way the public see that there is way to resolve issue. that is why i designed amendment. And that will force us to work together to reach that timeline. And Delegate Lorenzo Curley says that Council could also approve Write-In.
DELEGATE DWIGHT WITHERSPOON
Delegate Tsosie says no later than Aug. 31, 2014, but you have qualifier of “if sufficient funds available.” And to Delegate Bates, why didn’t you put in particular date?
DELEGATE NELSON BEGAYE
i’m confused with all your words that you are using – runoff, special election, new primary?
DELEGATE LEONARD TSOSIE
if no puzzles resolved by Aug. 31, 2015, then just go ahead and have election. But all depends on legislation passed. and we would all still need to appropriate money. using run-off and special primary as same. and if Russell Begaye withdraws then that would make it easier for all of us. And people would be satisfied.
