By AP
Tahlequah, OK – Challenger says Cherokees need new chief election
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) Cherokee Nation councilman Bill John Baker says the only way to restore faith among Cherokee voters is to have a new election for chief of Oklahoma's largest Indian tribe.
Baker has twice been declared winner of the June 25 election but so has his opponent, incumbent Principal Chief Chad Smith.
After multiple ballot counts with different results each time, the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court is considering whether to order a new election. A ruling is expected by the end of the week.
Smith says a new election isn't needed. He won the last recount by four votes.