The ongoing trial into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections continued on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, with the testimony of a key witness coming to a close as proceedings move forward under structured case management.
Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty is presiding over the matter, which has drawn significant public attention given its implications for electoral integrity.
On Friday, the court heard the conclusion of evidence from Sasenarine Singh, who previously testified about his experiences during the tabulation process as a polling agent for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). Singh had raised concerns about the use of spreadsheets and the pace at which Statements of Poll (SOPs) were called during the contentious Region Four tabulation.
His testimony was completed following cross-examination by defence attorney Eusi Anderson. When the opportunity arose for further cross-examination, defence attorney Darren Wade was initially unreachable, prompting concern from the court after repeated attempts to contact him went unanswered. He later communicated through colleague Dexter Todd, offering an apology and indicating that he would not proceed with questioning the witness.
Earlier in the proceedings, Prosecutor Madana Rampersaud informed the court that submissions relating to voir dire issues had been delayed due to illness and personal circumstances.
With Singh’s testimony concluded, attention is expected to shift back to another witness, Bibi Aneishaw Mohamed, who is scheduled to continue her evidence when the trial resumes.
The case is being conducted under strict case management guidelines, with hearing dates fixed in advance. Proceedings are set to continue on April 27, with additional dates already scheduled throughout May and June.
Nine individuals are currently before the court, facing charges linked to an alleged conspiracy to manipulate the results of the 2020 elections in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition. Those charged include former minister Volda Lawrence, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, and Carol Joseph of the People’s National Congress.
The trial remains ongoing as the court continues to hear evidence in what is considered one of the most consequential election-related cases in Guyana’s recent history.
