By Nakasia Logan | November 6, 2024
The election fraud case, involving over thirty charges, returned to court today before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.
Legal discussions centered on whether the case should be tried summarily or via a preliminary inquiry.
Both parties agreed to submit written arguments, with deadlines set for November 27, 2024.
During the hearing, the defense, led by Attorney Nigel Hughes, argued that the case should begin anew, a legal process known as “De Novo.”
In contrast, Senior Counsel Dharshan Ramdhani emphasized that traditionally, summary trials are handled directly by a magistrate who reviews the evidence and delivers a verdict.
He pointed out that prior magistrates, including Chief Magistrate Isaacs and Magistrate Daly, had determined that most charges should be tried summarily.
Ramdhani further stressed that the case had already been delayed for over three years, and that his witnesses, numbering 72, were eager to testify.
Despite these challenges, both sides agreed to file written submissions by November 27.
On December 9, the court will reconvene to address any new points raised in the submissions.
The case involves nine defendants, including former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and former Minister of Government Volda Lawrence.
They face charges such as misconduct in public office, uttering forged documents, and plotting to deceive voters by declaring false election results during the 2020 general and regional elections.
Senior Counsel Ramdhani expressed optimism that once the submissions are reviewed, the Acting Chief Magistrate would swiftly render a decision, potentially allowing the case to move forward or reach a conclusion soon.