Final votes on Election Day were cast almost 25 days ago, but election commissioners only just finished wading Tuesday through the controversy to finally certified general election results on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

John Yellowbird-Steele will be new OST president. He defeated incumbent Theresa Two Bulls and her administration. The delay of official results not only stirred up controversy, but cost the tribe $160,000. Along with filing complaints about election mismanagement, Two Bulls has called for the removal of several of the OST Election Commission members.

Last week, the outgoing Two Bull administration comprised of President Teresa Two Bulls, Vice President Shorty Brewer, Treasurer Dean Patton, Secretary Rhonda Two Eagle and Fifth Member Myron Pourier, filed the complaint citing: the Election Committee leaked information to the media prejudicing voters prior to elections; the chairman of the election commission is not old enough to serve on the election commission; and election results were released to the media without affording the candidates time to request recounts.

Here’s the full story from Ernestine Chasing Hawk, Native Sun News Staff:

Board certifies election results
PINE RIDGE – Despite of formal complaints filed by the outgoing Two Bulls administration, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Election Commission has certified the 2010 General Election results, including certification of John Yellowbird-Steele as president.

Amid ongoing controversy, Francis Pumpkin Seed, OST Election Commission Chairman said the commission is moving ahead with election protocol.

Letters have been sent out to winning candidates notifying them of their certification and the newly elected tribal officials will be sworn into office on Dec. 7, 2010.

“The Election Commission will continue to move forward in a respectful manner until such time the Commission is allowed due process or the new Yellowbird-Steele/Poor Bear Administration is sworn in. The OST Election Commission wishes each winning candidate good luck with their future endeavors and thanks to each and every person involved with this successful election and smooth transition to electronic voting,” the commission released in a statement.

In a last ditch effort to regain control of the Oglala Sioux Nation, Theresa Two Bulls and the Executive Committee filed a formal complaint alleging violations of election guidelines.

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Tags: buffalo post, Election, francis pumpkin, john yellowbird-steele, Native Sun News, Oglala, Oglala Sioux, ost, OST Election Commission, Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota, teresa two bulls