Council now on 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)

SPEAKER PRO TEM BATES
Chief Justice says special presidential election held no later than Jan. 31, 2015, the Election Office will be held in contempt. Will Chief Justice be asked to rule on that? But with this legislation, it says the special election can go past Jan. 31, 2015. But this legislation deals only with General Election as “dictated” by Supreme Court. And I heard Delegate Tsosie say he wants another Primary and does the election code allow that? And the new Council will do that.

DELEGATE DWIGHT WITHERSPOON
If seems that Fluency Legislation has to go first before this Legislation.

DELEGATE TSOSIE
that is true if Council calls for candidates to run under new election law. i understand Delegate Witherspoon but which is more important, campaign expenses or people. The more pressing problem is the interest of the public. Candidate Chris Deschene paid campaign expenses, and then had to pay attorney fees. I don’t agree with Supreme Court decision. There is legislation by Delegate Curley on Navajo fluency requirement for presidential candidates. There is also legislation to allow write-ins.