TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) — A Sept. 24 special election has been set for Cherokee Nation voters to again decide who will be the tribe's next principal chief.

Incumbent Chief Chad Smith said in a statement on Friday that the Election Commission recommended the date because members felt it would provide enough time for officials to inform voters about absentee ballots and early voting.

The Cherokee Nation Supreme Court threw out results of the initial election in June between Smith and his challenger, Bill John Baker, because the five-justice panel couldn't determine with a mathematical certainty who won.

Baker and Smith have both been declared winners after multiple vote tallies.

Smith says he believes the timeframe gives the Election Commission and Tribal Council a chance to address any issues and to have an election quickly.