(Photo courtesy of Deschene 2014 campaign)

Chris Deschene was disqualified from the most recent Navajo Nation presidential race because he refused to show he could speak fluent Navajo.

A former Navajo Nation candidate for president says the order disqualifying him from the race over his lack of fluency should be thrown out.

Attorneys for Chris Deschene filed the request to the Office of Hearings and Appeals. They argue the disqualification is void because it was issued by former Chief Hearing Officer Richie Nez, who was removed from the post after it was discovered he did not meet qualifications.

The case stems from grievances filed by two of Deschene's primary election opponents, who cited a Navajo law that requires anyone seeking the tribe's top elected office to be fluent in Navajo.

Nez disqualified Deschene in October after Deschene refused to take a Navajo language test.

The special Navajo presidential election was delayed but must be held by Jan. 31.