WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) - A tribal hearing officer has ruled against a presidential candidate on the nation's largest Indian reservation in a battle over whether he is fluent in Navajo.
It wasn't immediately known whether Chris Deschene will appear on next month's ballot since he can still appeal.
The tribe's chief hearing officer, Richie Nez, announced his decision Thursday after viewing a videotaped deposition of Deschene. The candidate declined to answer questions in Navajo at the deposition and in court Thursday, saying they unfairly singled him out.
Two of Deschene's primary opponents filed a grievance against him under a Navajo law that requires anyone seeking the tribe's top elected post to speak fluent Navajo. It's the first time a candidate has been challenged under the law.
The Navajo Supreme Court weighed in last month, saying the language is sacred and cannot be disregarded as a qualification for the presidency.
It wasn't immediately known whether Chris Deschene will appear on next month's ballot since he can still appeal.
The tribe's chief hearing officer, Richie Nez, announced his decision Thursday after viewing a videotaped deposition of Deschene. The candidate declined to answer questions in Navajo at the deposition and in court Thursday, saying they unfairly singled him out.
Two of Deschene's primary opponents filed a grievance against him under a Navajo law that requires anyone seeking the tribe's top elected post to speak fluent Navajo. It's the first time a candidate has been challenged under the law.
The Navajo Supreme Court weighed in last month, saying the language is sacred and cannot be disregarded as a qualification for the presidency.
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