Forensic accountant Terrence Jaskaran’s analysis of the 2020 elections found significant numerical differences between certified Statements of Poll and the two declarations made for Region Four on March 5 and March 13, the court has heard.

Jaskaran’s assignment was to tabulate figures contained in the certified SOPs provided to him and compare those totals with figures recorded on the corresponding Form 24 declarations.

For APNU+AFC, Jaskaran testified that the certified SOPs produced a total of 116,215 votes.

The March 5 declaration, however, recorded 136,458 votes for the coalition — 20,243 more than the SOP-based total. The March 13 declaration recorded 136,057 votes, representing a difference of 19,842 votes.

For the PPP/C, Jaskaran’s tabulation of the certified SOPs produced 80,288 votes. The March 5 declaration recorded 77,329 votes, or 2,959 fewer, while the March 13 declaration recorded 77,231 — a difference of 3,057 votes.

Jaskaran has maintained that his assignment was a numerical comparison and did not extend to determining the authenticity of the documents or how the discrepancies occurred.

But as cross-examination continued Wednesday, defence attorney Eusi Anderson shifted attention from Jaskaran’s numerical findings and instead focused on his political views, including previous Facebook posts expressing support for the PPP/C.

Jaskaran acknowledged expressing political views on social media but maintained that doing so was his right as a citizen and had no bearing on his professional work.

The court also heard about Jaskaran’s previous professional experience. He testified that under the former APNU+AFC administration, he conducted audit work involving the Sugar Industry Welfare Fund and the Guyana Passport Office.

He further testified that he had provided accounting services to individuals associated with APNU+AFC, including work involving private businesses.

Jaskaran has maintained throughout his evidence that his findings in the election matter were based on the documents provided to him and the numerical comparisons he was tasked with conducting.

His cross-examination will continue on Thursday, September 24.