The Election Fraud case in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court has seen yet another adjournment.
The prosecution has requested the appointment of a special magistrate to handle the case, citing the need for focused attention due to the presiding Magistrate’s existing caseload.
On Tuesday, eight of the defendants, with one exception, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly in anticipation of the trial’s commencement.
However, the proceedings were adjourned.
State Counsel for the case, Darshan Ramdhanie, emphasized the importance of fair and thorough judgment, considering the presiding Magistrate’s concurrent handling of other cases.
He stated that it is in the interest of the public that crimes are prosecuted fairly and justly.
Lead defense counsel Nigel Hughes agreed with the suggestion for a special magistrate.
He expressed dissatisfaction that, despite the defendants’ preparation for case management proceedings, no progress was made.
Hughes asserted that this extended delay infringes on their right to a fair trial within a reasonable time.
The case involves defendants including former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, District Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, Former PNC Chairman Volda Lawrence, Carol Smith Joseph, and three former GECOM employees, Sheffern February, Michelle Miller, and Enrique Livan.
They face charges ranging from fraud to misconduct in public office and forgery.
The allegations center on the conspiracy to defraud the electors of Guyana by declaring false accounts of votes cast in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.
The progression of the matter now hinges on the outcome of the prosecution’s plea for a special magistrate.