2014–15 Navajo Nation presidential election explained

Election Date:August 26, 2014 (Primary)
April 21, 2015 (Run off)
Country:Navajo Nation
Type:presidential
Previous Election:2010 Navajo Nation presidential election
Previous Year:2010
Next Election:2018 Navajo Nation presidential election
Next Year:2018
Turnout:37.21%
Candidate1:Russell Begaye
Image1:Russell Begaye.jpg
Running Mate1:Jonathan Nez
Popular Vote1:25,902
Percentage1:62.95%
Color1:c0c0c0
Color2:c0c0c0
Candidate2:Joe Shirley Jr.
Running Mate2:Dineh Benally
Popular Vote2:15,245
Percentage2:37.05%
President
Before Election:Ben Shelly
After Election:Russell Begaye

The 2015 Navajo Nation Presidential Election was held on April 21, 2015, with the primary on August 26, 2014. Russell Begaye and Jonathan Nez, who finished third in the primary, won the election.

In the primary election, Joe Shirley Jr. and Chris Deschene initially advanced to the general election.[1] Originally the general election between Shirley and Deschene was to be held on November 4, 2014. However, two former presidential candidates, Dale E. Tsosie and Hank Whitethorne, who were eliminated in the primary election, challenged Deschene's candidacy over his fluency of the Navajo Language, a requirement to run for president.[2] This resulted in the disqualification of Chris Deschene and his running mate Fannie L. Atcitty.

Due to the disqualification, the election was delayed to April 21, 2015, between Shirley and Dineh Benally against Begaye and Nez.

Candidates

Advanced to general election

Eliminated in primary

References

  1. Web site: Unofficial results of 2014 Navajo Nation presidential primary election . Navajo Times.
  2. Web site: Navajo Nation presidential candidate a target over fluency issue . Indianz.
  3. Web site: Deschene Disqualified, has 10 days to appeal . Navajo Times.