Mousseau and Whalen are top two selections for OST president

PINE RIDGE—After citing a number of irregularities, the Oglala Sioux Tribe canceled the results of the first primary held back on October 6, and held a second primary on November 3, with a general election to follow on November 17. Although more votes were cast in the second primary, the results were pretty much the same. This is the first election after the tribal council was reduced from 21 to nine members by a special BIA directed tribal vote.

The first primary was rejected because the outside election vendor mixed “pre-voted” ballots with Election Day ballots. Rumors of chicanery abounded on social media. This created “chaos and uncertainty” about the integrity of the election. But there were no specific allegations or proven fraud by candidates or voters.

Only the top two from each slate of candidates advances to the general elect5ion on November 17. The slate for president was as follows:

1. Alicia Mousseau—862
2. Henny Whalen—823
3. Frank Star Comes Out—652
4. John Long—230
5. Garfield Apple—113
6. Leonardo Salomon—44

It looks like the reign of Star Comes Out as OST president is over. He lasted two terms. If the vote does not change after challenge votes are tabulated, Mousseau and Whalen will meet in the general. Either way, the next president of OST will be a woman.

The slate for vice president was tallied as follows:

1. Justin Pourier—687
2. Josey Eagle Bull—491
3. Emmanuel Black Bear—437
4. Trina Lone Hill—402
5. George Dreamer—326
6. Yamni Jack—228

7-Mary Horse Felicia—143

There was a lot of support down the line all the way to seventh place. This is because the VP is a paid position which requires very little work from the VP. If you want a steady income and still want time to pursue other interests, the VP is the perfect job.

Treasurer has been a very controversial position for OST. Julian Spotted Bear is often confused for former president Julian Bear Runner. They are two different people. Cora White Horse is acting treasurer but she will not make the general despite receiving 649 votes.

1. Julian Spotted Bear—1191
2. Cody Catches Enemy—793

Most people don’t know what the job of the Fifth Member entails. The Fifth Member is a liaison between the Executive and the Council. He also performs any additional duties assigned by Council.

1. Philip Good crow—752
2. Ed Iron Cloud—730
3. Marlon Kelly—650
4. Janne Rodriguez—552

Wounded Knee District.

1. Garfield Steele—120
2. Joshua Steele—112
3. Dave Kelly—90
4. Kevin Yellow Bird Steele—13
5. Hobart Yankton—12
6. Kevin Ramos—7

Eagle Nest District.

1. Blaine Little Thunder—82
2. Ronald Randall—62
3. Wesley Hawkins—28

Medicine Root District

1. Ryan Jumping Eagle—147
2. Ronald Red Owl—112
3. Randi Hunter—90
4. Jeremy Rosales—72

All candidates now have two weeks two campaign, before the November 17 general election. Challenge votes have not been counted and this could change who the top two candidates are.

(James Giago Davies is an enrolled member of OST. Contact him at skindiesel@msn.com)

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