TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Following a three-day counting process, the Cherokee Nation Election Commission has released unofficial results of the special election for Principal Chief.  The unofficial results show Bill John Baker as the new leader after receiving nearly 54 percent of the votes.


The unofficial results show Baker receiving 10,633 votes to Smith’s 9,099 votes.


According to the Commission, there are approximately 150 challenged ballots left to review.  This unofficial result includes all votes cast, except for challenged ballots.


The Commission has 48-hours after they have completed the vote count to certify the election. The results are unofficial until the election results are certified.