GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Jul. 31, CMC – The trial concerning alleged fraud in the 2020 General and Regional elections hit a snag on Wednesday and was abruptly adjourned, due to the admissibility of evidence and the accuracy of court records.
The hearing began on Wednesday with lawyers sparring over the admissibility of evidence and the mention of names of persons who are not defendants in the case.
These issues were raised by Dharshan Ramdhani, KC, who made three submissions to the court in an effort to have the issues addressed by presiding Magistrate Leron Daly but after hours of pleading his case, no resolution was immediately in sight.
The issues raised by Ramdhani stem from an earlier proceeding which saw a section of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag’s evidence being struck out.
This was due to Parag, in her testimony, naming an individual who is not a defendant in the matter.
Based on this, Ramdhani sought to have Parag recalled to the witness stand to once again lead the evidence without the implication of anyone. A decision, which magistrate Daly said she will rule on of as the trail proceeds.
Following deliberations, the court resumed with the magistrate informing those present, including the defendants that she would need some time to review the challenges raised.
She then adjourned the case to Monday, August 5.
Nine persons are before the court in relation to electoral fraud. They are: former APNU+AFC government minister Volda Lawrence; former GECOM Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; former GECOM Returning Officer for District Four Clairmont Mingo; former GECOM Deputy Chief Election Officer Roxanne Myers; APNU+AFC’s Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith Joseph; and former GECOM employees Sheffern February, Enrique Liven, Michelle Miller and Denise Babb-Cummings.
They face nine conspiracy charges which are said to have been committed between elections day – March 2, 2020 – to August 2, 2020.
A series of witnesses are expected to testify in the long delayed trial which will run for six weeks.
CMC/gy/kb/2024