Navajo Nation high court rules against tribal president in bid for 3rd consecutive term

Court ruling keeps Navajo president from 3rd term

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr.’s quest for a third consecutive term in office has ended.

The tribe’s high court on Friday upheld a previous ruling that Shirley was rightfully disqualified from the race.

Election officials had cited a tribal law stating tribal presidents are limited to two back-to-back terms in disqualifying Shirley.

Shirley twice appealed the decision, contending it violated his liberty interests and equal protection rights. He further argued that Navajos have the right to choose their leaders under traditional tribal law.

No other elected official within the tribal government is subject to term limits.

The ruling leaves 11 in the race for the tribe’s top job.