By Nakasia Logan
November 1, 2024
After months of delays, the high-profile election fraud case linked to the 2020 general and regional elections will restart under the leadership of Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty.
The case was reassigned due to the prolonged absence of Magistrate Leron Daly, which hindered progress.
A case management hearing has been scheduled for November 6, 2024, to outline the timeline and procedural requirements for the trial’s restart.
The case involves nine defendants, including former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, Returning Officer Mortimer Mingo, and APNU/AFC Chief Scrutineer Carol Joseph, who appeared in court today.
Former GECOM staffer Sheffern February participated virtually, while other defendants—former coalition minister Volda Lawrence, former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, and former GECOM staffers Denise Babb-Cummings, Enrique Livan, and Michelle Miller—were absent from the session.
Charges against the defendants include misconduct in public office, forging documents, and conspiracy to declare false results for the 2020 elections.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall recently emphasized the importance of timely proceedings, citing the upcoming 2025 elections as a critical benchmark for the resolution of the case.
The reassignment aims to prevent further delays and ensure that the trial progresses efficiently.