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Navajo high court to hear appeal on presidential term limits

(Cayla Nimmo | The Associated Press) Navajo Nation presidential candidate Joe Shirley Jr. arrives at his campaign headquarters in Window Rock, Ariz., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018. The presidential field includes seasoned politicians who tout experience and newcomers who are challenging the status quo.

Window Rock • The Navajo Nation’s high court is set to hear an appeal on presidential term limits.

Vincent Yazzie contends Joe Shirley Jr. should be removed from the ballot because he already has served two terms as tribal president.

Yazzie's election grievance was dismissed as untimely and for failure to state an election code violation. The former presidential hopeful appealed.

Shirley sought re-election to a third term in 2010 but was disqualified. The high court said Navajos can serve no more than two consecutive terms but could sit out four years and run again.

Yazzie wants the court to reverse that ruling, saying it's not in line with tribal law.

The case will be heard Thursday in Window Rock.

Shirley faces tribal Vice President Jonathan Nez in next month’s general election.