FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Language requirement override to be considered during special session WINDOW ROCK – With a vote of 12-5, Naabik’iyátí’ Committee members today moved Legislation No. 0309-14 forward to the Council with a “do pass” recommendation with no amendments. The bill, which is scheduled to be considered by Council during a two-day special session that begins on Thursday, seeks to override President Ben Shelly’s veto of a resolution which would amend language requirements for elected officials within the Navajo Election Code. The Council approved a legislation to amend the language requirements on Oct. 24, however, the resolution was later vetoed by President Shelly. Legislation sponsor Council Delegate Leonard Tsosie (Baca/Prewitt, Casamero Lake, Counselor, Littlewater, Ojo Encino, Pueblo Pintado, Torreon, Whitehorse Lake), said that if the override is successful he believes the amended requirements could be applied to the upcoming special election to decide the presidency. “This could help the disenfranchised voters,” stated Delegate Tsosie, referring to votes casted by Navajo voters prior to the General Election held on Nov. 4. The legislation approved on Oct. 24, included language stating, “Language proficiency shall be determined by the People voting in favor of the person upon the right and freedom of the Diné to choose their leaders.” Delegate Tsosie urged his colleagues to approve the override, describing the proposed amendments as “a form of a referendum because you’re giving the choice to the people.” To override the veto will require two-thirds approval from the Council. The Council is scheduled to begin its two-day special session on Nov. 13 and 14, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chamber in Window Rock. The special session will be live-streamed via the Council’s designated Ustream channel. To view tomorrow’s session, please visit ustream.tv then click “watch” near the bottom of the home page, and search for “Navajo Nation Council” in the search box. To view the proposed agenda, please visit navajonationcouncil.org and click the “Meetings” tab.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 00:43:09 +0000
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