PEMBROKE, N.C. (AP) – The Lumbee Tribal Supreme Court says Tribal Chairman Paul Brooks can seek a third term.

But The Fayetteville Observer reported that the court said Brooks would only be able to serve two years if he wins.

The court ruled Tuesday that Brooks should have been allowed to serve a full three-year term when he was first elected in 2011 to fill the final year of Purnell Swett’s term.

The Lumbee Supreme Court’s decision overturns a decision by the tribal election board to prohibit Brooks from running for a third term. The Lumbee Constitution says the chairman is limited to two, three-year terms.

Brooks would not talk about the decision Tuesday night.

The election is scheduled Nov. 17.

The chairman holds the tribe’s executive powers, including implementing the annual budget.

–––

Information from: The Fayetteville Observer, http://www.fayobserver.com