TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO)
has a new Principal Chief and Deputy Chief. Chad Smith defeated Joe Byrd for the
office of Principal Chief by a wide margin. Hastings
Shade defeated Bill John Baker by a landslide. Votes cast
by absentee ballots are credited for boosting the Smith/Shade
campaigns.
Chief elect Chad Smith gave much of the credit for his
win to the dedication of his campaign volunteers, adding
that Byrd had paid professionals.
Smith said that Cherokees
"wanted a change, they wanted something positive", and
also spoke of healing and unity and called for the support
of Byrd and his supporters, to help in rebuilding
the divided tribe.
In the race for council seats, incumbent Harold DeMoss
defeated James Hammett for the District 7, Rogers County,
seat. Don Garvin defeated Teasie McCrary Jr. in the race
for the District 4, McInstosh/Muskogee Counties, seat.
The Carter Center sent observers to monitor Saturday's
election as they did for the primary election. The
preliminary report again expressed great concern for the
low voter turnout stating that the "registration process,
which is duplicative and confusing to citizens", as of
great concern. The center, however, did give the tribe
high marks for the over all handling of the elections.
A transition team is expected to be announced by Smith
by the end of the week. The swearing-in ceremonies are to
be held next month, before Smith and Shade take office
on August 14, 1999.
