Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. was back on the job on Monday night after winning a court ruling in his battle with the Navajo Nation Council.

Shirley was suspended by the council in October for alleged wrongdoing. But a Navajo Nation judge issued a permanent injunction that said lawmakers acted outside of their authority.

The decision came on the eve of a referendum that would reduce the size of the council from 88 seats to 24 seats. Another proposal would give Shirley the power to execute line-item vetoes over budget legislation.

A spokesperson for the council said the judge's ruling will probably be appealed.

Get the Story:
Judge's ruling puts Navajo president back on job (AP 12/15)
Navajos weigh 2 political reforms (The Arizona Republic 12/15)
Polls open today for Navajo court's special vote session (The Farmington Daily-Times 12/15)

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Editorial: Vote on Navajo Nation reform initiatives (12/14)
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Navajo president calls investigation 'personal' (10/29)
Navajo president not worried about investigation (10/28)
Navajo Nation Council places president on leave (10/27)
Navajo council fails in vote to remove top officials (10/21)