Is the magistracy, and by extension, the judiciary, undermining the governance system in Guyana?
NCN News’ Samuel Gillis reported that General Secretary of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo expressed discontent over yet another delay in the election fraud cases.
Scheduled to commence on Monday after a three-year delay, the trial into the 2020 election fraud case has once again been postponed.
Defence attorney Nigel Hughes filed an application for minutes from the meetings of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the corresponding period, further prolonging the case’s resolution.
Responding to NCN News about the recurring delays, especially with Guyana gearing up for another election cycle in 2025, PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo expressed concern.
He pointed out the urgency with which courts in other jurisdictions, particularly in the US, handle electoral fraud cases compared to Guyana.
Dr. Jagdeo emphasized the need for people to speak up about these issues, suggesting that the government may need to reconsider contempt of court laws.
He highlighted the lack of accountability for the judiciary compared to other branches of government, such as the executive and legislative arms.
Nine individuals, including then Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield and former APNU+AFC minister Volda Lawrence, face charges related to conspiring during the 2020 elections to defraud Guyana’s electors by declaring a false account of votes cast.
The delays in the election fraud cases raise questions about the efficiency and transparency of Guyana’s judiciary, prompting calls for reform to ensure timely justice and uphold the integrity of the governance system.
Reporting for NCN News, Samuel Gillis