FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) – Navajo President Ben Shelly has signed legislation that allows for a reservation-wide vote on language requirements for candidates seeking the tribe’s top posts.

Shelly’s chief of staff, Deswood Tome, says Shelly approved the bill Monday because he wants Navajos to weigh in.

Presidential candidates and their running mates must understand and speak fluent Navajo. If approved, the ballot measure essentially would remove that requirement and let voters decide whether candidates know Navajo and English well enough.

The bill originally sought nearly $318,000 to fund a belated presidential election on April 21. Lawmakers amended it so that the referendum vote gets first priority for funding.

It’s unclear how that affects the scheduled election.

Navajo Nation Council Speaker LoRenzo Bates plans to meet with the elections director Tuesday.