Election fraud case: Trial adjourned until March 27

The election fraud trial was adjourned on Friday until March 27, 2026, when testimony in the voir dire will continue.

The matter, which is being heard before Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, concluded for the week with the continuation of testimony in a voir dire related to co-defendant Sheffern February, who is being represented by attorney Eusi Anderson.

Former PPP/C Commissioner at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Robeson Benn, had initially been scheduled to continue giving evidence during Friday’s afternoon session but was unavailable.

At the close of proceedings, several additional dates were set for the continuation of the trial. The court fixed March 27 and March 31 for the hearing of voir dires, with both days scheduled to begin at 9:30h.

Further dates agreed upon were April 20 and April 24, as well as April 27 to April 30. In May, the trial is set to be heard on May 18, May 20, May 21, and May 22.

For June, the court scheduled hearings from June 15 to June 26. Dates in July were also discussed. July 20 to July 24 was suggested, as well as July 13 to July 17.

However, a representative for defence attorney Dexter Todd noted that they would have difficulties with any dates in July or August. Anderson further indicated that a number of persons have family commitments during that period. “I will not set any dates in July now, but I will leave it that we are suggesting the week of July 13,” the Magistrate noted.

The trial in the election fraud case has been ongoing since 2024. Nine persons are jointly charged with conspiracy to commit electoral fraud in relation to the tabulation of votes for Region Four during Guyana’s March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

The accused face a total of 19 charges alleging conspiracy to commit electoral fraud stemming from events following the 2020 polls.

Those charged include former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers; former APNU+AFC Minister Volda Lawrence; APNU+AFC Chief Scrutineer Carol Joseph; and former GECOM employees Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Michelle Miller, and Denise Bobb-Cummings.