FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) – Officials on the Navajo Nation say the tribe’s high court overstepped its authority in directing the controller to fund a belated presidential election.

Meanwhile, early voting for the tribe’s top official is underway. The election featuring Joe Shirley Jr. and Russell Begaye is scheduled April 21.

The Navajo Nation Supreme Court granted a motion last month to enforce an order to hold the election without further delay. It also ordered the tribal controller to transfer $317,000 to the election office to cover the cost.

The chief legislative counsel says he wasn’t given an opportunity to respond to that motion. The president’s office says transferring money to the elections office without approval from tribal lawmakers is illegal.

The court hasn’t ruled on requests to clarify or reconsider its order.