Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren Survives Recall Attempt
A recall effort aimed at unseating Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has failed to gather the necessary support. Despite the initiative’s momentum, the number of signatures fell significantly short of the required threshold.
The petition, reported by The Navajo Times, was submitted with 11,193 signatures. This number is far below the 30,000 signatures mandated by the Navajo Nation Election Code, which requires 45% of voters from the last General election to support a recall to proceed.
The “Recall President Buu Nygren” committee, as noted by KNAU, accused Nygren of misusing tribal funds and neglecting significant issues such as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People initiative. Additional allegations included intimidation and sexual harassment against Vice President Richelle Montoya. However, an independent investigation cleared Nygren of any criminal wrongdoing or harassment.
In response, Nygren labeled the recall campaign as “divisive” in a social media post. He emphasized the need for unity and collaboration, stating, “We need to heal and come together to build a stronger future. This requires open hearts, understanding, and the willingness to move beyond the challenges.”
Nygren expressed gratitude to the tribal members for participating in the democratic process and encouraged those who signed the petition to share their concerns directly with him, offering to improve his office’s operations. He remarked, “Recall supporters worked and organized for six months. Imagine what we could accomplish if we channeled that same energy into healing our people, building homes, creating jobs, and improving our communities.”
Currently, Nygren is halfway through his four-year term. Meanwhile, Navajo Nation officials are addressing issues related to the recent resumption of uranium ore transportation across the reservation.
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