Cherokee Principal Chief Wins by Mere 7 Votes:

Recount Possible

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

Chad Smith-Cherokee

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - In a very close election, the Cherokee Nation Election Commission has certified the re-election of Chad Smith to be tribal chairman of the Cherokee Nation.

This reverses the initial election result that showed Bill John Baker winning. But, the tabulations were unofficial.

More than 15,000 Cherokee Nation citizens went to the polls this past Saturday to select their leadership.

Following a long night of counting, the Cherokee Nation Election Commission released the unofficial count for the Principal Chief seat around 8 am Sunday morning. The results showed Baker receiving 11 more votes than Principal Chief Chad Smith. Baker received 7,600 votes to Smith's 7,589.

The certified results show current Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith as the winner by 7 votes in the election.

The letter of certification shows Smith with 7,609 and opponent Councilman Baker receiving 7,602.

According to a spokesperson with the Cherokee Nation Election Commission, every election commission does a canvassing of the votes and as a result of this canvassing these are the official results. The official stated, "Our early tabulation was unofficial; these are the official certified election results."

Baker has until 5 pm on June 29 to request a recount.

posted June 28, 2011 8:00 am et