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Applications for Navajo president’s race due Wednesday

(Jon Austria | The Daily Times | The Associated Press) In this July 20, 2015 file photo, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye talks with community members during a public meeting in Shiprock, N.M. The top two leaders on the Navajo Nation say recent suicides in communities affected by a mine spill have shaken reservation towns to their core.

Window Rock, Ariz. • Navajos hoping to become the next tribal president have until the close of business Wednesday to submit applications.

Nearly a dozen people so far have filed paperwork and paid the $1,500 fee to enter the race.

The applicants include the current tribal president, a former chief justice, a former vice president, political newcomers and others who have held elected office on the Navajo Nation.

Election officials will spend the next two weeks vetting the applications. Candidates also can challenge each other’s qualifications.

The top two vote-getters in the August primary will choose their running mates and face off in the Nov. 6 general election.